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A VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) is a surface-emitting semiconductor light source that emits laser beams in a direction perpendicular to its top surface.

Individual VCSEL emitters are very small, typically around 10 microns in diameter, but collectively generate a much higher output power level.

Vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been used for many different applications like LiDAR Systems, 3D Scanners, Proximity Sensors, and Telecommunications.