The thing I wonder about on the laser plug idea is three fold.
1) these are optical, how do they intend on keeping the optics clean? I would imagine some cars will be worse than others for having intrusion into the area of the optics than others. The fix to this is pumping some clean air into the optical area to keep tainted air out. This could get just a bit complex, the more complex the more points of failure. If the design just goes with tarnish resistant surfaces, there is no such thing as 100% tarnish free coatings. Periodic plug replacement becomes a requirement.
2) the laser, if a simple single beam design, it will need to aim at a target on the piston head. That spot better be something that can take it and not build up carbon burn. Going to a multiple cross beam might alleviate that but it still may be a concern. So it may need a ceramic or other coating. A ceramic coating has other benefits but still this is another complication.
3) the best spot for ignition is the middle of the air volume in the chamber. This suggests a split or multiple beam design or maybe some optics that first widens the beam to a ring then back to a cone with an apex focal point. This probably means they will have different focal lengths for each engine. (dial in adjustable?) Certainly makes the plugs more expensive to allow these variations. I don't think the optical cone solution represents a new point of failure in operation, just in manufacturing, which means more expense. If these are 'forever' plug then it's ok with me. -and I must add, the depth of current plugs is not too sensitive, but for the laser, a few ten thou make a bigger difference in the burn pattern. Each cylinder may need better consistency. So the sealing ring may need a higher level of engineering or at least a tight torque specification on installation.
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