The 17th Industry Award of The Laser Society of Japan for fiscal year 2025
The 17th Laser Society of Japan Industry Award for 2024 has been decided.
Overview of The Laser Society of Japan Industry Award
The Laser Society of Japan awards The Industry Award to the supporting members of the Society for their excellent achievements in contributing to the development of the domestic laser-related industry in the practical application and the dissemination of laser-related products and technologies.
“Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product” will be given to the technology and market performance of laser-related industrial technology. “Laser Industry Encouragement Award” will be given to the market development and future potential, and “Laser Industry Contribution Award” will be given to the excellent basic technology or long-term cumulative contribution. In addition, “Laser Industry Selection Committee Special Award’‘ will be given to the case the committee expects notably high contributions to the laser industry.
This time, we received high-quality applications overall, and after careful deliberation, we have finally selected 6 entries.
I．Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product
“High-Brightness EUV Plasma Light Source URASHIMA”
Lasertec Corporation
This application pertains to the fields of equipment and systems. The company has made significant contributions to advancing EUV photomask inspection technology, which is essential for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing processes. The URASHIMA light source developed by the company is a high-brightness EUV plasma light source designed for the inspection of EUV photomasks. It successfully addresses the challenges of existing technologies by minimizing the heat load on pellicles while also providing stable illumination for inspection. Furthermore, ACTIS series systems furnished with URASHIMA enable high-sensitivity inspection of photomasks and highly accurate detection of mask defects in EUV lithography processes. These systems have been widely adopted for use in production by leading semiconductor manufacturers. Recognizing these technological innovations and contributions to the industry, we have determined that this achievement is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product.
“High power 266 nm pulsed fiber laser source for semiconductor inspection system”
OXIDE Corporation
This application pertains to the field of equipment and systems. The company has made significant contributions to improving quality control and manufacturing processes in the industry through the development of a high-power 266 nm pulsed fiber laser source for semiconductor inspection systems. This laser system achieves short wavelengths, high power, and high repetition operation, enabling fast and highly precise detection of defects and contaminants on wafer and mask surfaces: tasks that were challenging for conventional visible and ultraviolet lasers. Furthermore, the company has ensured long lifespan and high reliability through its proprietary wavelength conversion technology and BBO crystal growth techniques, contributing to the advancement of next-generation processes in the semiconductor manufacturing equipment market. In addition, steady growth in domestic and international sales has solidified the company’s technological superiority in fields with promising market expansion. Recognizing these achievements, we have determined that this innovation is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product.
“Commercialization and business addition of laser ceramics”
Konoshima Chemical Co.,Ltd.
This application pertains to the field of components and devices. The company has successfully achieved transparency and high quality in YAG ceramics, realizing their practical application as a laser medium. Additionally, by leveraging advanced sintering and processing technologies, the company has established a bonding technique that was previously considered difficult for single crystals, enabling the production of large-bonded components essential for high-power, high-repetition lasers. This breakthrough has paved the way for applications in cutting-edge fields such as laser nuclear fusion and space debris removal. Furthermore, the establishment of large-scale production technology for laser ceramics has ensured a stable supply, leading to increased adoption in the industrial laser market and solidifying its technological superiority. Recognizing these technological innovations and contributions to the industry, we have determined that this achievement is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product.
“Red multi-beam laser diode for printers (2,4,8 beam)”
Ushio Inc.
TThis application pertains to the field of components and devices. The company has made significant contributions to enhancing the performance of office printers and multifunction devices through the development of red multi-beam laser diodes (LD) for printers. This technology has achieved mass production of multi-beam LDs, essential for high-speed and high-resolution printing, and has realized stable beam output by suppressing thermal crosstalk between beams through proprietary chip structures and packaging technologies. Furthermore, the company has expanded its lineup to include red LDs with wavelengths of 650–670 nm, which are crucial for high-resolution printing, and has consistently provided customized solutions to meet customer needs. As a result, it has built an outstanding market presence, with cumulative sales exceeding 20 million units. This technology also holds potential for application in AR/VR displays, where high resolution is essential, indicating promising prospects for next-generation markets. Recognizing these technological innovations and market contributions, we have determined that this achievement is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Award for Excellent Product.
II．Laser Industry Encouragement Award
“Wire Laser 3D Printer AZ600”
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
This application pertains to the field of equipment and systems. The company has established an innovative digital fabrication technology in the industry through the development of a wire-laser-based metal 3D printer. Compared to powder-based methods, this system offers superior material utilization efficiency and safety, while achieving high-precision three-dimensional fabrication remained a challenge. The company addressed this by developing a feedback control technology that integrates CNC with its proprietary fiber laser, enabling high-precision fabrication with minimized thermal effects. Furthermore, the implementation of proprietary spatial five-axis control technology has significantly enhanced fabrication flexibility. This technology is expected to be applied in fields requiring lightweight and high-strength components, such as aerospace and precision parts, with further market expansion anticipated. Recognizing these technological contributions and future potential, we have determined that this achievement is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Encouragement Award.
III．Laser Industry Contribution Award
“Labor dispatch contract for operation and maintenance of large laser equipment”
NAT Corporation
This application pertains to contributions in optical science and technology, as well as industrial applications. Since 2002, the company has made significant contributions to the advancement of science and industrial applications through the operation and maintenance of large-scale laser systems. In recent years, laser systems used in academic research have become increasingly advanced, reaching PW-level laser intensity and pulse energies exceeding the KJ range. The safe and stable operation of such advanced systems requires exceptionally high expertise and technical skills. The company has proactively addressed these challenges by promoting the education and certification of operational personnel, fostering a workforce equipped with advanced technical skills and safety knowledge. In recognition of these achievements, we have determined that this contribution is highly deserving of the Laser Industry Contribution Award.
