SLD Laser
Kyocera SLD Laser (KSLD) designs and manufactures GaN-based laser diode products under the LaserLight brand, serving automotive OEMs, industrial materials processing, biomedical, defense, specialty lighting, and LiFi communications customers with over 500 patents and proprietary semi-polar crystal technology.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersGoleta, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SLD Laser does
SLD Laser, operating as Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD), is a GaN-based laser diode manufacturer founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Soraa Inc. and wholly acquired by Kyocera Corporation in January 2021. The company commercializes high-luminance visible laser light sources built on proprietary semi-polar GaN crystal technology protected by a portfolio of over 500 patents. Its core product family, branded LaserLight, includes the LaserLight SMD (a 7mm surface-mount device emitting dual white and infrared wavelengths at 450/905/850nm), the LaserLight Fiber Module (fiber-delivered white light for thermal/electrical isolation), and DataLight LiFi development systems capable of 1-100 Gbps optical wireless communication. The company is co-founded by 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physics Dr. Shuji Nakamura and other solid-state lighting pioneers, and operates from Goleta, California with additional facilities in Fremont and Tucson (USA) and Munich (Germany).
The company sells custom-engineered GaN laser diode products on a quote-based hardware model to enterprise customers across automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers (BMW, Lotus, Baja Designs), industrial materials processing, biomedical lighting (Acera endoscopic systems), defense, specialty/architectural illumination (SkyBeam 12,000 lumen spotlight), and emerging communications verticals including private aviation LiFi (Spectrum Networks) and underwater wireless optical communication. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales targeting OEM engineering and procurement teams, OEM-embedded partnerships for vehicle integration, and regional distribution through Laser Components in Europe and the USA. The company holds IATF 16949 automotive quality certification, ISO 9001, and the world's first UL 8750 certification for laser lighting safety.
Marketing and category visibility are maintained through annual participation in CES, SPIE Photonics West, and LightFair, supplemented by a multi-award profile (Prism Awards in 2018 and 2023, Fortune Best Workplaces #7 in Manufacturing in 2020, four consecutive Great Place to Work certifications). The company operates with significant autonomy within Kyocera while leveraging the parent's global distribution and resources. Revenue, unit volumes, and funding amounts beyond the 2013 Khosla Ventures seed round are not publicly disclosed.
SLD Laser firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SLD Laser
- Legal name
- Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc.
- Website
- https://kyocera-sldlaser.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Kyocera SLD Laser (KSLD) designs and manufactures GaN-based laser diode products under the LaserLight brand, serving automotive OEMs, industrial materials processing, biomedical, defense, specialty lighting, and LiFi communications customers with over 500 patents and proprietary semi-polar crystal technology.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SLD Laser industry classification
Industry- Product category
- GaN Laser Diodes and Laser Light Sources
- NAICS
- Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optoelectronics & Photonics (LED/Laser/Optical ICs) (HDAHAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL), Outdoor & Area Lighting (Street, Roadway, Parking, Flood, Sports/Architectural exterior) (IMAGAIAB), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)
Keywords
Where SLD Laser is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Goleta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
SLD Laser business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- GaN Laser Diode Products: Sale of GaN-based laser light sources including LaserLight SMD, LaserLight Fiber modules, and blue laser modules for automotive, specialty lighting, display, and industrial applications.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
SLD Laser product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SLD Laser (operating as Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc.) designs and manufactures Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based laser diode light sources, including LaserLight SMD modules, LaserLight Fiber modules, dual-emission white/IR laser sources, blue laser diodes, DataLight LiFi communication systems, and automotive headlight modules. The company's products serve automotive lighting, specialty lighting, industrial materials processing, biomedical, defense, and high-speed wireless communication applications.
Product overview
Kyocera SLD Laser (KSLD) is a premium supplier of application-specific GaN (Gallium Nitride) laser diode products. The company's product portfolio centers on the LaserLight brand, which encompasses several distinct product lines: LaserLight SMD (Surface Mount Device) packages offering miniature high-luminance white light sources with dual white/IR emission capability; LaserLight Fiber modules providing remotely-delivered white light via fiber optics; and the DataLight LiFi system enabling wireless data communications. The products serve diverse markets including automotive lighting (headlights, grille assemblies), specialty illumination (architectural, entertainment, aviation), industrial applications (materials processing, laser pumping), biomedical (endoscopy), defense, and consumer electronics. The company's core technology enables 100x higher luminance than LEDs, 10x longer illumination range, and supports LiFi communications at speeds up to 100x faster than 5G.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LaserLight: World's first white light, high luminance, remotely-delivered laser light module for automotive and specialty lighting applications
- LaserLight Fiber
- LaserLight SMD
- DataLight
- SkyBeam
- FiberLight
Products and services
- LaserLight SMD (Surface Mount Device) Miniature 7mm surface mount device laser light sources delivering high luminance white light from a compact package, with dual emission capability combining white and infrared (IR) wavelengths for both illumination and sensing applications.
- LaserLight Fiber Module World's first white light, high luminance, remotely-delivered laser light module enabling separation of the laser module from the light-emitting element via fiber optic cable for optimized thermal and electrical management in automotive and specialty lighting applications.
- Dual Emission White/IR LaserLight Source World's first dual emission white light and infrared (IR) LaserLight source combining both illumination types in a single device, targeting automotive night vision, long-range sensing beyond 250 meters, and high-speed LiFi communications.
- DataLight LiFi System LaserLight-based LiFi (Light Fidelity) development system offering 1 Gb/s data rate per wavelength with dual-emission illumination in white or infrared, configured as bi-directional link with full networking and multi-user capabilities supporting up to 16 users.
- LaserLight Headlight Module High brightness white and infrared (IR) dual illumination module for automotive applications providing night vision and sensing, delivering full low beam and high beam features with a slim profile under 12.7mm lens height.
- Blue Laser Diodes (GaN Lasers) High power 5 watt blue laser diode products for industrial, biomedical, defense, and display applications, featuring up to 12x the absorption, processing quality, and speed compared to infrared laser technology.
- SkyBeam Spotlight World's first 12,000 lumen LaserLight spotlight for outdoor lighting applications based on UL safety certified LaserLight-SMD product.
- FiberLight Grille Assembly Laser-based grille assembly for automotive applications featuring LaserLight technology for enhanced visibility and styling differentiation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100x higher luminance than LEDs, 10x illumination range, 1/10th size
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use SLD Laser
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SLD Laser technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
SLD Laser partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Spectrum NetworkscoreSpectrum Networks is utilizing KSLD's LaserLight technology for next-generation lighting and wireless connectivity solutions in private aviation. Prof. Harald Haas (LiFi inventor) serves as KSLD Senior Advisor on this partnership. Joint development of LaserLight-based LiFi for aircraft cabins.
- Laser ComponentsminorLaser Components distributes the SMD W-IR (White/Infrared) chip products in Europe and the USA. Distribution agreement for medical and industrial SMD laser light products.
- LotuscoreLotus Theory 1 EV concept car uses 'laser wire' technology from Kyocera in headlight designs, where the modern light signature is incorporated using razor-thin pieces of wire that glow with laser-illuminated light.
- Baja DesignsminorBaja Designs manufactures aftermarket laser light bars for off-road racing using SLD Laser technology, enabling demonstration of high-power laser lighting capabilities in extreme conditions.
- BMWcoreBMW is an automotive OEM customer using SLD Laser technology in production vehicles, including the M5 and iX3/iX4 electric SUVs with laser headlights. First major automotive customer for production laser headlights.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SLD Laser competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nichia Corporation: Nichia is the world's leading GaN LED and laser diode manufacturer and holds foundational patents in blue LED technology. Directly comparable to SLD Laser as a primary competitor in GaN-based laser diode technology serving automotive, display, and specialty lighting markets.
- ams OSRAM: ams OSRAM is a global leader in optoelectronic semiconductors, including laser diodes and LEDs for automotive, industrial, and specialty lighting. Directly competes with SLD Laser in GaN laser-based automotive headlights (OSRAM supplied BMW's earlier laser headlight generations) and specialty lighting.
- Lumentum: Lumentum is a leading manufacturer of laser diodes and photonic products for industrial, telecom, and 3D sensing applications. Comparable to SLD Laser in GaN laser diode technology and high-brightness laser source commercialization, with overlap in industrial materials processing.
- Coherent Corp: Coherent (formerly II-VI) is a major manufacturer of laser diodes and laser-based systems spanning industrial, automotive, semiconductor, and biomedical applications. Comparable to SLD Laser in GaN laser technology and industrial blue laser modules for materials processing.
- Soraa Inc. Soraa is the parent company from which SLD Laser was spun off in 2013, focusing on GaN-on-GaN LED lighting. Shares founders (Dr. Nakamura) and underlying GaN technology platform with SLD Laser, making it the closest historical and technical peer.
Broad incumbents
- Sony Semiconductor Solutions: Sony Semiconductor Solutions is a major optoelectronics manufacturer producing laser diodes, image sensors, and LED devices. Comparable to SLD Laser as a broad incumbent in semiconductor optoelectronics with overlapping GaN laser and VCSEL capabilities for automotive and sensing applications.
- TRUMPF: TRUMPF is a global leader in industrial laser systems and laser technology. Comparable to SLD Laser as a broad incumbent in laser-based materials processing and high-power blue laser solutions for industrial applications including EV battery welding and metal processing.
- Signify (Philips Lighting): Signify is the world leader in lighting products and systems for professional and consumer markets. Comparable to SLD Laser as a broad incumbent in the lighting industry; KSLD's President Dusan Golubovic previously led at Philips Lighting, and Signify represents a potential customer/competitor in specialty and architectural lighting applications.
Emerging players
- Valeo SA: Valeo is a major Tier-1 automotive supplier with leading lighting and driver assistance product lines. Comparable to SLD Laser as a customer/integrator in the automotive laser headlight space; Valeo supplies integrated headlamp modules and could integrate KSLD's laser sources into OEM headlamp systems.
- HELLA (FORVIA): HELLA is a leading automotive lighting Tier-1 supplier (now part of FORVIA) producing advanced headlamp modules including laser-based systems. Comparable to SLD Laser as both a potential customer for laser diode sources and a developer of competing laser lighting integration technology for automotive OEMs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SLD Laser social profiles
Digital presenceSLD Laser compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
SLD Laser financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SLD Laser leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
SLD Laser funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SLD Laser M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SLD Laser
What does SLD Laser do?
SLD Laser (operating as Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc.) designs and manufactures Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based laser diode light sources, including LaserLight SMD modules, LaserLight Fiber modules, dual-emission white/IR laser sources, blue laser diodes, DataLight LiFi communication systems, and automotive headlight modules. The company's products serve automotive lighting, specialty lighting, industrial materials processing, biomedical, defense, and high-speed wireless communication applications.
Is SLD Laser a public or private company?
SLD Laser is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was SLD Laser founded?
SLD Laser was founded in 2013. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is SLD Laser based?
SLD Laser is headquartered in Goleta, United States, in the North America region.
How does SLD Laser make money?
One revenue line is on record: gaN Laser Diode Products.
Who are SLD Laser's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nichia Corporation, ams OSRAM, Lumentum, Coherent Corp and Soraa Inc.. Broad incumbents are Sony Semiconductor Solutions, TRUMPF and Signify (Philips Lighting). Emerging players are Valeo SA and HELLA (FORVIA).
Does SLD Laser have an API?
No public API is recorded for SLD Laser.
What industry is SLD Laser in?
SLD Laser's product category is GaN Laser Diodes and Laser Light Sources. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAAAH, Optoelectronics & Photonics (LED/Laser/Optical ICs), with a secondary code of HDAHALAL, Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL). Its NAICS code is 335132 and its SIC code is 3827.