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Our Mission

To be the premium supplier of application specific GaN lasers characterized by collaborative customer relationships

We are commercializing GaN lasers for the next generation of display, automotive, and specialty applications.  Our sources are used directly in single color and R-G-B applications, or integrated into laser pumped phosphor architectures.

As an independent spin-off from Soraa Inc, SLD Laser was founded in 2013 by several leading global pioneers in solid state lighting, including Dr. Shuji Nakamura, a 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physics for his groundbreaking work with LEDs, Dr. Steve Denbaars, Dr. James Raring, and Dr. Paul Rudy. Our laser technology incorporates a robust intellectual property portfolio of over 500 patents. SLD Laser was acquired by KYOCERA Corporation and has commenced operations as a Kyocera group company under the name KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.

History

2013

SLD Laser established as a spin-out independent company with world renowned financial and strategic shareholders and >500 patents.

2014

SLD Laser CTO wins Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the blue LED, SLD demonstrates high power Semi-polar GaN laser diode.

2015

SLD demonstrates LaserLight technology as next generation solid state lighting technology for Auto and Lighting.

2016

SLD achieves product performance and initiates sample shipments for auto and lighting, establishes long term development and supply agreements.

2017

SLD achieves automotive quality certifications IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, Pre-production deliveries commence.

2018

SLD achieves safety certifications UL and IEC for production launch into auto and commercial lighting. High volume LaserLight production lines established.

2019

SLD ramps production of LaserLight products for automotive, specialty lighting, and display.

Achieves first precision sensing and high speed LiFi communications technology demonstrations.

2020

SLD honored with the #7 spot on FORTUNE’s list of Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Manufacturing and Production.

Announcement that KYOCERA Corporation reached agreement to acquire SLD Laser.

2021

SLD Laser is acquired by KYOCERA Corporation and becomes KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD)

2022

Achieves world record LiFi communications data rate 100 times faster than 5G

2023

Achieves world’s first laser-based automotive headlight modules with white and infrared dual illumination for increased safety and visibility.Wins PRISM Award for LaserLight LiFi Module

2024

KSLD begins demonstrating a high-speed, bidirectional link for Underwater Wireless Optical Communication (UWOC)

Our leadership

James Raring
Dusan Golubovic
President

25 years experience in semiconductor & optoelectronics
Managed large cross-functional teams across the globe

Bio

Dusan Golubovic has 25 years of experience in semiconductor and optoelectronics industries encompassing embedded non-volatile memories and integrated high-voltage SOI devices for automotive applications in NXP Semiconductors, mid-power LEDs for illumination applications in Philips Lighting, as well as automotive LEDs and systems in Lumileds. Dusan has extensive background in product development and engineering, new product introduction, volume ramp-up and end-to-end contract manufacturing management. Throughout his carrier Dusan has worked in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and China, where he managed large cross-functional teams, prior moving to the United States. Dusan holds PhD degree in Solid State Physics on superconductor qubits from KU Leuven in Belgium, MsC degree in Micro- and Optoelectronics on resonant cavity enhanced P-i-N photodetectors from University of Belgrade, has 56 publications in peer reviewed journals and 14 patents.

Takaki Otsubo
Moro Wada
CFO

20 years experience in finance and accounting
M&A experience

Bio

Moro Wada has been with Kyocera for over 20 years in the field of finance and accounting departments. He has also performed M&A projects of Kyocera Group over 20 cases from these departments. He joined KSLD as Deputy CFO in July 2021 and has been CFO since July 2022.

Cole Cunnien
Masafumi Yamauchi
VP, Global Quality

23 years of Automotive industry experience
International experience

Bio

Masafumi Yamauchi brings over 23 years of Automotive industry experience to the KSLD business. Having worked in corporations such as Philips Japan, Philips North America and Philips Germany and Lumileds Germany he has over 10 years of Sales managing experience in Japan, over 4 years of Product managing in North America (Michigan) and has successfully been the leader as the Quality Director for a German factory as well as for Global Factory Quality Improvement for over 8 years. We are extremely thrilled to have him on our team and his vast background and experience makes him a true asset to KSLD.

Moro Wada
Naomi Obinata
General Counsel

Experience in legal affairs and intellectual property
Years of experience in the semiconductor field

Bio

Naomi Obinata is General Counsel at Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc.  Naomi is responsible for all legal affairs and intellectual property of the company.   Before joining KSLD, Naomi held senior legal positions at various semiconductor technology companies including Intel Corporation, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and Graphcore.  Naomi graduated with a B.S. Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, worked as an engineer for 2 years, and then earned her J.D. at Santa Clara University School of Law.  Naomi’s licenses and accreditations include the California State Bar, United States Patent Bar, and Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional.

Jo Merx
Amy Hilvers
VP, Human Resources

20 years of HR & Administrative experience in
Non-profits & Manufacturing  
M&A experience, private start up and public corporations

Bio

Amy Hilvers is VP of HR of KYOCERA SLD Laser. She leads the HR organization and is dedicated to maintaining strong corporate culture, and a diverse and inclusive workplace to empower, inspire and motivate employees to support KSLD’s vision. Her focus on maintaining a motivated inspired workforce led KSLD to be recognized with 4 consecutive certifications as a “Great Place to Work”, three consecutive years of Fortune’s Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and more recently awarded Best Workplaces in the Bay Area. Prior to KSLD, Ms. Hilvers served as HR and Administrative Representative for Soraa, Inc growing with the tech company from 30 to more than 200 employees. Prior to Soraa Inc, she served as administrative function of a local Santa Barbara non-profit.

Eric Goutain
Eric Goutain
Sr. VP, Laser Product Development

30 years designing, developing solid state laser products

Bio

Eric Goutain is leading the team responsible for developing all product solutions since the beginning of KSLD. Previously he oversaw test, packaging and GaN laser-based products development for Soraa, Inc.Eric brings 30 years of experience designing, developing solid state laser products. Materials Engineer, PhD in microelectronics, starting his career at the corporate research lab of Thomson-CSF near Paris on GaAs and InP lasers, he moved quickly to develop solutions for telecommunication. During the years, Eric spread his product designs to many other applications such as instrumentation, medical, industrial and when joining Soraa Inc., with visible GaN lasers, lighting and automotive.Of French Origin, Eric is the father of 4 children with a wonderful partner. Eric has lived and worked in multiple countries and states, enjoying exploring and immersing in different cultures.

Careers

A culture of innovation

No revolutionary idea wins on value alone.  It takes many ideas and bright people working together to create a seismic shift toward a new technology solution. Pioneer the realm of possible, and join 100+ employees from 17 countries to be a part of the future of lighting.

Great Place to Work Certified 2025

Worldwide locations

Santa Barbara

Silicon Valley

Munich

Tucson

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. is ISO 9001 certified and automotive compliant to IATF 16949, and operates facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and in Fremont, CA.