Can Lasers Outshine LEDs in Agricultural Lighting?

In artificial light plant factories, balancing photosynthetic efficiency with visual comfort has always been a core challenge. Traditional LED lighting faces issues like efficiency decay, while laser-driven lighting offers high power density.

In May 2025, a research team from the University of Tokyo and Stanley Electric published breakthrough findings in Frontiers in Plant Science. Their study revealed that Laser Diodes (LDs) significantly outperform traditional Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in promoting photosynthesis and plant growth.

The research showed that 660nm laser diodes increased net photosynthetic rate by 19.1% compared to 664nm LEDs. Stomatal conductance and water-use efficiency also improved noticeably, meaning plants can absorb CO₂ and produce organic compounds more efficiently.



While laser technology shows great potential, LED tech is also advancing. At GreenTech 2025, companies like Jingke Electronics showcased high-performance LED solutions, including high-power 3535 deep red and white LEDs.

LEDs remain popular for their low heat output, long lifespan, and energy efficiency—helping boost crop yield and shorten harvest time. Laser technology, though more precise and efficient, currently comes with higher costs and certain limitations.

Still, the precision and energy efficiency of lasers are undeniable. Supported by the Natural Science Fund, researchers combined blue laser diodes with YAG:Ce³⁺ phosphor glass, achieving both high PLER (up to 683 lm/W) and excellent CRI (>90).



With the global population expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050—70% living in cities—traditional farming faces challenges like shrinking farmland and extreme weather. Indoor gardening offers a solution, free from geographical limits and with full environmental control.

Laser lighting excels not only in plant factories but also in extreme environments like space farming. With fiber-based distributed lighting, LDs enable “layered precision supplementation,” providing tailored spectra for different growth stages.

Laser agriculture is stepping out of the lab and into modern farming. In the future, laser and LED technologies may work together in complementary, hybrid spectrum systems. Research from institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences is paving new ways for tomorrow’s agricultural lighting.

Stay tuned with us for more updates on the latest in grow light technology and indoor farming innovations.