Nuvoton Releases an Industry-Leading-Class High-Power Violet Laser Diode (402 nm, 4.5 W)
Kyoto, Japan, April 15, 2026 – Nuvoton Technology announced today the start of mass production of a "high-power violet laser diode (402 nm, 4.5 W) [1]" that achieves industry-leading class (*1) optical output in a 9.0 mm diameter CAN package (TO-9) [2]. This product achieves 1.5 times the optical output compared to our conventional product (*2) through our proprietary device structure and heat dissipation design technology and contributes to improving production throughput in optical equipment such as maskless lithography systems [3]. Furthermore, adding this product to our lineup enables our product portfolio to support major photosensitive materials [4] used in advanced semiconductor packaging [5].
(*1) As of April 15, 2026, based on our research of laser diodes emitting at 402 nm in a TO-9 CAN package under continuous-wave (CW) operation at a case temperature (Tc) of 25°C.
(*2) Our conventional product KLC432FL01WW (402 nm, 3.0 W, TO-9 CAN package)
Achievements:
- Achieves 4.5 W high-power at 402 nm, 1.5 times that of our conventional product, enhancing production throughput in maskless lithography systems
- Expands our lineup of light sources for maskless lithography in advanced semiconductor packaging, supporting multiple major photosensitive materials
- Expands the lineup of mercury lamp replacement solutions [6] , providing new options in light source selection
For more product details, please see here: https://nuvoton.co.jp/semi-spt/apl/rd/?id=1100-0263
Features of New Product:
- Achieves 4.5 W high-power at 402 nm, 1.5 times that of our conventional product, enhancing production throughput in maskless lithography systems
Violet (402 nm) laser diodes generally suffer from relatively low wall-plug efficiency [7] and significant self-heating, and are also prone to short-wavelength-induced degradation, which makes stable high-power operation difficult.
To address these challenges, the "device structure that enhances wall-plug efficiency (WPE)" and the "high thermal conduction package technology that effectively dissipates heat," which were used in the high-power ultraviolet laser diode[8] (379 nm, 1.0 W) announced as a new product in January 2026, have been expanded to the violet (402 nm) band.
As a result, we are launching a "high-power violet laser diode (402 nm, 4.5 W)" that achieves 1.5 times the optical output compared to our conventional product. In particular, by applying our proprietary facet coating technology that suppresses degradation factors at the laser facets, we have improved the lifetime performance during high-power operation, and by adopting a monolithic molded structure using high heat dissipation materials for the package, we have improved heat dissipation performance.
By achieving both "high-power" and "high reliability", this product enhances production throughput in industrial optical equipment where high quality is required.
- Expands our lineup of light sources for maskless lithography in advanced semiconductor packaging, supporting multiple major photosensitive materials
This product will deliver significant value in maskless lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging, a market that is rapidly growing driven by expanding demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and other applications.
In circuit formation for advanced semiconductor packages, maskless lithography technology that directly exposes (draws) wiring patterns based on design data has been attracting attention in recent years, as it enables not only cost reduction and development period shortening, but also high-precision patterning correction in response to substrate warpage and distortion.
For laser diodes, which are one of the main light sources in this maskless lithography technology, there has been a demand for compatibility with wavelengths close to the i-line (365 nm) and h-line (405 nm), which are the emission lines of mercury lamps, in order to correspond to the main photosensitive materials, as well as higher output for the purpose of improving the production throughput of equipment.
In addition to the "high-power ultraviolet laser diode (379 nm, 1.0 W)" for i-line applications announced in January 2026, we are adding this new product, "high-power violet laser diode (402 nm, 4.5 W) ", for h-line applications to our lineup.
This expansion strengthens our lineup of light sources for maskless lithography in advanced semiconductor packaging, enabling consistent support for multiple major photosensitive materials while contributing to higher production throughput of equipment.
- Expands the lineup of mercury lamp replacement solutions, providing new options in light source selection
This product will be newly added to the lineup of our "semiconductor laser-based alternatives to mercury lamps." The h-line (405 nm), which is an emission line of mercury lamps, is used in a wide range of fields such as photocuring, 3D printing, sensing, biomedical applications, and marking, and this product provides customers with a new option as an alternative light source for these applications.
Furthermore, by leveraging the high-power performance that is a feature of this product, it will contribute to improving the efficiency of processes that were difficult to realize in the past, as well as to the creation of new optical applications.
Definitions:
[1] Violet laser diode:
Our term is for a laser diode that emits laser light with a peak wavelength of approximately 402 nm.
[2] TO-9 CAN:
CAN-type package with a diameter of 9.0 mm.
[3] Maskless lithography:
A technology that directly exposes photosensitive materials (resist) on a substrate based on design data without using a photomask and forms fine patterns. When using laser light, it is also referred to as Laser Direct Imaging (LDI).
[4] Photosensitive materials:
A general term for materials whose properties change upon light irradiation, used in exposure processes. Primarily refers to photoresist (resist) applied onto substrates, which forms fine patterns through exposure and development processes. Materials with sensitivity optimized according to the wavelength of the light source are used.
[5] Advanced semiconductor package:
An implementation technology in which multiple semiconductor chips are densely integrated to optimize performance and power efficiency.
[6] Mercury lamp replacement solution:
Nuvoton Technology’s lineup of laser diodes designed to replace the emission lines of mercury lamps: i-line (365 nm), h-line (405 nm), and g-line (436 nm). We propose combined use of ultraviolet semiconductor lasers (378/379 nm), violet semiconductor lasers (402 nm), and indigo semiconductor lasers (420 nm).
[7] Wall-Plug Efficiency (WPE):
An indicator of the efficiency of converting electrical input into optical output. It is generally used to express the emission efficiency of semiconductor lasers.
[8] Ultraviolet laser diodes:
Our term is for a laser diode that emits laser light with a peak wavelength of approximately 380 nm or less. For details of the "high-power ultraviolet laser diode (379 nm, 1.0 W)" announced in January 2026, please refer to: Nuvoton Releases High-Power Ultraviolet Laser Diode (379 nm, 1.0 W) - News - Nuvoton
[OPIE (OPTICS & PHOTONICS International Exhibition)]
One of the largest specialized exhibitions in Japan for optical technology and photonics will be held at Pacifico Yokohama, from Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24, 2026. Active exchange takes place among the industrial, academic, and research communities.
https://www.opie.jp/en/
Nuvoton Technology OPIE'26 Exhibitor Information
About Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan (NTCJ)
Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan (NTCJ) joined Nuvoton Group in 2020. As a dedicated global semiconductor manufacturer, NTCJ provides technology and various products cultivated over 60 years since its establishment, and solutions that optimally combine them. We value relationships with our customers and partners, and by providing added value that exceeds expectations, we are working as a global solution company that solves various issues in society, industry, and people's lives. For more information, please visit https://www.nuvoton.co.jp/en/.
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Media contact:
Digital Marketing Department, Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan
Technical contact:
Marketing Department, Laser & GaN Technology Business Group, Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan