OVERVIEW OF LASER DIODES

INTRODUCTION TO LASER DIODES

What distinguishes lasers from other light sources is its coherence. A laser diode is an electrically pumped semiconductor laser that is similar to a light-emitting diode (LED). With faster response time and more precise focus than LEDs, laser diodes directly convert electrical energy into single frequency, coherent light through the process of stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation and optical amplification.

HOW A LASER DIODE WORKS

In summary, a laser diode functions through the following 3-step process:

  1. Energy Absorption (absorption of energy from an external electrical energy source)

  2. Spontaneous Emission (emission of light/photons while electrons fall to the lower energy state)

  3. Stimulated Emission (excited/free electrons fall into the lower energy state and release energy in the form of light)

TYPES OF LASER DIODES

There are different types of laser diodes:

  1. Fabry-Perot Lasers - simplest edge-emitting semiconductor laser

  2. Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers - incorporates internal grating

  3. Distributed Bragg Reflector Lasers - has external grating

  4. Quantum Well Lasers

  5. Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) - reaches very high power emission over the entire mid- and far-infrared spectrum

  6. Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) - emission is perpendicular to the mount surface

ADVANTAGES OF LASER DIODES

Laser diodes exhibit the following featured characteristics:

  • High efficiency and High reliability

  • Low cost

  • Generate coherent light

  • Wide spectral range

  • Solid-state construction

  • Compact and Lightweight

  • Capable of providing power levels ranging from milliwatts to kilowatts.

APPLICATIONS OF LASER DIODES

 

Laser diodes are widely used in various applications ranging from simple applications, such as a laser pointer or a leveler to high-tech applications, such as telecommunications or data communications.

  • Life science: measurement, range finder, spectrometry

  • Industrial: precision cutting, 3D printing, laser engraving, welding, drilling

  • Electronics: CD-ROM, CD/DVD players, laser printing, laser scanning, barcode readers, fiber optic communications

  • Autonomous driving: LIDAR

  • Medical: non-invasive surgeries

WHAT WE OFFER

Lasermate Group, Inc. provides innovative laser diode solutions, offering a broad and extensive selection of laser diodes that extend from CW laser diodes and pulsed laser diodes to fiber coupled laser diodes and high power laser diode bars and arrays. We offer laser diodes at wavelengths from 635nm to 1625nm and output power ranging from 5mW to 6000W with various forms of diode packaging. Our package types can be categorized as follows:

  • TO-Can: TO-33 (Φ3.3 mm), TO-18 (Φ5.6 mm), TO-3, TO-5 (Φ9 mm), TO-46, TO-100 (Φ10 mm)

  • C-Mount, F-Mount, CoS (Chip-on-Submount), Lead Frame, CN

  • Stacks

  • Connectorized (Pigtailed and Receptacle)

To view our wide collection of available Laser Diodes:

PRODUCTS

VCSELs | Communication Lasers | Photodiode Receivers | Optical Transceivers | Fiber Optics | Optical Components 
  Laser Diodes | Laser Modules | Laser Systems | Laser Accessories | Laser Products | Fiber Coupled LEDs

  For the code of Federal regulations, please refer to FDA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR LIGHT-EMITTING PRODUCTS for detailed information.

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Information contained herein is considered typical data. Lasermate Group, Inc. reserves the right to change or modify specifications of products at any time without notice.

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