About Ushio

The Ushio laser diode business (formerly part of Hitachi, and more recently Opnext and Oclaro) was incorporated into the Japanese Ushio Group in 2014, as Ushio Opto Semiconductors Inc. Ushio Opto Semiconductors also includes their Epitex LED division giving them multi-technology approach in responding to the photonics industry.

The Ushio Laser Diodes Range

The laser diode product range from Ushio is broad. They offer both visible and infrared laser diodes. Blue-violet laser diodes at 404nm and 405nm have output powers ranging from 150mW to 3.5W. Red laser diodes from 633nm to 690nm are at 5mW – 2400mW. Finally, the near IR laser diodes range from 705nm to 852nm with output powers upto 210mW.

Applications

Ushio laser diodes are used for a wide array of applications, which includes medical equipment, display, printing and industrial tools such as sensors and levellers. More specifically, Ushio’s UV laser diode range is most suited for direct imaging applications while the 635nm diodes are most applicable in the construction industry and are used in display tools and levellers. Medical and sensor applications may use laser diodes in the 650nm to 660nm range. Barcode scanners and other measurement tools generally require wavelengths between 670nm and 690nm. The infrared laser diodes are advisable for security sensors.

Why Ushio Laser Diodes?

With over 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of semiconductor laser diodes, Ushio has a well-established reputation in the photonics industry. Ushio’s broad product range enables them to meet most application needs. In addition, all Ushio Opto Semiconductor products are RoHS compliant.

With more than two decades of experience in providing laser diode technology and manufacturing laser diode modules, ProPhotonix has the technical expertise to support you to select the right laser diode for your application. Use our laser diode selector to view our full offering of laser diodes and to download the datasheets.

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About Osram

Osram, previously known as Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH, is now part of the ams group, a leading worldwide supplier of high-performance sensor solutions. Osram has production sites in Regensburg (Germany) and Penang (Malaysia).

The Osram Laser Diodes Range

Osram’s range of laser diodes includes highly compact blue and green laser diodes, packaged in 3.8mm, 5.6mm, and 9mm TO cans.  

• Blue Laser Diodes: Available at 450nm and 488nm wavelengths, with power levels up to 3W.
• Green Laser Diodes: Available at 520nm wavelength, with power levels up to 140mW.

The diodes feature low beam divergence, long lifetime, and excellent stability across a broad temperature range. An innovative supplier, Osram, is regularly introducing new laser diodes providing competitive solutions for an ever-expanding range of applications. Discover the full range of Osram laser diodes. 

Applications

Where the human eye perceives green light more readily than red light, Osram green laser diodes provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional DPSS lasers in applications such as alignment and targeting for medical, industrial and defense markets. They also are ideally suited for use in pico projector and display applications. The company’s blue laser diodes are ideally suited to many medical and analytical applications. 

Why Osram laser diodes?

Osram is an innovative laser diode manufacturer which has made substantial investments in R&D designing state-of-the-art laser diode products. The products offer compact, cost-effective solutions for a wide variety of applications and the reliability of the products is second to none. 

ProPhotonix has more than two decades of experience in laser diode technology. As a manufacturer of laser diode modules as well as a laser diode supplier, we are ideally positioned to offer you technical support in selecting the right laser diode for your application. To see the full range of Osram laser diodes available from ProPhotonix, and download datasheets visit Osram Laser Diodes.

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In the last of our ‘laser diodes by color’ blog series, we will dive into the diverse range of applications of green laser diodes, exploring their role in medical, industrial, defense, and scientific research fields. 

Green Laser Diode Applications 

ProPhotonix offers a range of newly upgraded 515nm and 520nm direct emission green laser diodes, now more efficient than ever. With output power levels up to 140mW, our green laser diodes offer superior reliability and precision for a wide range of applications from laser projection and holography to biomedical imaging and metrology. Let’s find out more. 

Medical Applications 

Green laser diodes are integral components of medical equipment used in medical imaging and diagnostics providing accurate measurement, alignment and targeting capabilities. Their high visibility and sharp laser line make them ideal for accurately positioning patients for scanning, especially across different skin tones. Additionally, green lasers find diverse therapeutic applications in aesthetic treatments such as acne treatments and fat reduction. 

Communication and Data Transmission Applications 

Green lasers can penetrate water, making them suitable for underwater communications. Green laser diodes are also preferred in bathymetric LIDAR which is used extensively to capture geospatial data from shallow waters and the coastline. The shorter wavelength of green laser diodes extends the detection ranges of bathymetric LIDAR without compromising data accuracy. 

A record high-speed long-distance underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system based on low-power 520 nm green laser diodes demonstrated real-time data rates up to 4.60 Gbps. [1] Such green laser diode-based systems are also used for sea floor monitoring, oceanography investigations and more. 

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications  

Green lasers suit the requirements of traditional laser cutting and engraving applications providing a sharp laser beam for efficient materials processing. Green laser diodes are also used in manufacturing processes for precision measurement, alignment and quality control. 

Scientific Research 

Green laser diodes are also playing a significant role in a wide range of scientific endeavors and experiments, including light scattering studies, fluorescence spectroscopy, bioinstrumentation, and interferometry, showcasing their versatility and importance in scientific research.  

Conclusion 

In this blog, we’ve explored the diverse applications of green laser diodes across various industries and fields, demonstrating their versatility and importance in modern technology. At ProPhotonix, we have partnered with leading laser diode manufacturers such as Osram for over two decades, enabling us to offer compact and high-quality 515nm and 520nm green laser diodes with power levels up to 140mW.  

Whether you’re looking for the most suitable green laser diode for an application in the medical, industrial, or communication industry, our technical team can help you understand the specifications and provide laser solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us now for free expert advice. 

Enhance your laser diode technology with our premium green laser diodes, renowned for their exceptional quality. Explore our extensive range of color laser diodes including red laser diodes, green laser diodes, violet laser diodes , blue laser diodes and IR laser diodes tailored to meet your specific industry needs. Discover our complete laser diode offering and elevate your business capabilities now.

Sources: 

1. X. Liu, S. Yi, X. Zhou, Z. Fang, Z. Qiu, L. Hu, C. Cong, L. Zheng, R. Liu, and P. Tian, “34.5 m underwater optical wireless communication with 2.70 Gbps data rate based on a green laser diode with NRZ-OOK modulation,” Opt. Express  25, 27937-27947 (2017).

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Data and Communications Applications 

Since the 1950s, NASA missions have been leveraging laser technology to improve optical communication for sending data to and from space. Infrared lasers are revolutionizing modern optical data transmission by enabling precise, long-distance communication. 

More recently, NASAs LCRD project demonstrated how infrared lasers can enable 10 to 100 times more data transmitted back to Earth than current radio frequency systems. (1) Compared to radio frequency (RF) systems, infrared beams can compress data into tightly packed waves, allowing ground stations to receive larger data volumes in a single transmission. 

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications 

Infrared laser diodes are integral to industrial and manufacturing processes, facilitating key applications such as gesture recognition, additive manufacturing, and quality control. Their use in gesture recognition systems enhances human-machine interaction, particularly in automotive and manufacturing industries. 

In industrial settings, infrared laser diodes are utilized in optical modules and sensors, some equipped with built-in photodiodes for performance monitoring, enabling applications in robotics and motion sensing. 

Medical and Healthcare Applications

The unique absorption characteristics of infrared radiation by biological tissues make laser lights with infrared wavelengths indispensable in biomedical applications including tissue incisions, wound sealing etc. Infrared spectroscopy also finds widespread use in manufacturing, quality control, forensics, and research and development.

Security and Guidance Applications

In security monitoring systems and night vision devices, IR laser illumination ensures reliable surveillance and enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. They power robotics, motion sensing, targeting, and night vision applications, ensuring heightened security capabilities. Additionally, their narrow emission width makes them ideal for LiDAR systems, useful for automotive guidance, proximity sensing and eye tracking in smartphones and VR devices.

Conclusion

The continuous advancement of diode laser technology has enhanced the capabilities of infrared laser diodes. As a laser diode integrator as well as a distributor with more than two decades of experience, ProPhotonix offers 700nm to 940nm infrared laser diodes with power levels from 5mW up to 75W and is well-positioned to support you in selecting the optimum infrared laser diode for your application.

Our technical team specializes in understanding each aspect of your specification, quickly providing laser solutions that offer the best value for your application. Contact us now for free expert advice.

Enhance your laser diode technology with our premium infrared laser diodes, renowned for their exceptional quality. Explore our extensive range of color laser diodes including red laser diodes, green laser diodes, violet laser diodes and blue laser diodes, tailored to meet your specific industry needs. Discover our complete laser diode offering and elevate your business capabilities now.

Sources: 

1. Schauer, K. (2021) ‘Laser Communications: Empowering More Data Than Ever Before’, NASA, 21 May. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/technology/laser-communications-empowering-more-data-than-ever-before/

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Applications in Data and Communications 

The evolution of high-density storage enabling blu-ray technology owes much to blue laser diodes. Their shorter wavelength enables higher data densities on discs, enhancing storage capacity. Not only do blue lasers improve optical storage, but they have also transformed the entertainment industry, enabling the creation of high-definition films and gaming experiences. Additionally, white light based on blue laser diodes has become the rapidly growing technology for high-speed Visible Light Communication (VLC), an emerging technology for high-speed data transmission. [1] 

Medical Applications 

In the healthcare industry, blue laser diodes play a crucial role in various diagnostic and therapeutic tools. They power devices used in flow cytometry, medical imaging, DNA sequencing, and bio-fluorescence analysis. Their precision and efficiency are reshaping surgeries, diagnostics, dental and therapeutic treatments, leading to improved outcomes and patient care.  

Industrial and Scientific Uses 

The high precision of blue laser diodes due to their higher photon energy associated with shorter wavelengths has led to their extensive application for materials processing and surface analysis. These laser diodes are also well suited for the automotive and additive manufacturing industry owing to their accuracy and capability to work with various materials.  

Conclusion 

Blue laser diodes applications continue to expand, promising further breakthroughs in data storage, medical advancements, and industrial applications. As laser technology develops further, the future holds even more promising applications and enhancements leveraging blue laser diode technology. 

If you are seeking expert guidance for selecting the most suitable blue laser diode for your application, ProPhotonix is the ideal partner. ProPhotonix has worked with laser diode manufacturers such as Ushio and Osram for more than two decades, offering compact, high-quality 450nm and 488nm blue laser diodes with power levels up to 3500mW. 

Contact us to explore the limitless possibilities offered by a wide range of high power and high-quality laser diodes by color. 

Enhance your laser diode technology with our premium blue laser diodes, renowned for their exceptional quality. Explore our extensive range of color laser diodes including red laser diodes, green laser diodes, violet laser diodes and infrared laser diodes, tailored to meet your specific industry needs. Discover our complete laser diode offering and elevate your business capabilities now.

Sources:  

1. Ali A, Li Q, Fu H, et al. (2022) Blue Laser Diode-Based Visible Light Communication and Solid-State Lighting. Antenna Systems. IntechOpen. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.100106.

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While red, green, and blue reign as the most common laser colors, the spectrum of available laser diodes extends far beyond, catering to specific application needs. Our new blog series sets out to explore diverse applications for a wide range of laser diodes by color. In this first installment of the series, we will talk about red laser diodes and explore their applications. 

Red Laser Diode Applications 

ProPhotonix offers 633nm, 635nm, 660nm, 670nm and 690nm red laser diodes which are available with power levels from 5mW up to 2200mW. From revolutionizing medical treatments to optimizing communication networks, driving precision in manufacturing, and aiding scientific exploration, the applications of red laser diodes are as diverse as they are impactful. 

1. Medical Applications

Red laser diodes make good laser sources for several medical and biomedical applications including flow cytometry, photodynamic therapy (PDT), patient positioning in medical and dental instruments radiotherapy. Red laser diodes are also used for a whole range of laser therapies as they are small, inexpensive, flexible and have low power requirements. These laser diodes are suitable for fiber coupling due to their small emitter size typically around 80μm making them ideal light sources for biomedical and sensing applications. 

In fact, red laser diodes were the only laser diodes applicable for flow cytometry until the turn of the century (1). 675 nm red laser diodes are also used to minimize the appearance of facial acne scars (2) and facial melasma (3).

2. Communications & Data

The integration of red laser diodes into optical communication systems, especially in fiber optics, empowers high-speed data transfer. These diodes offer unparalleled advantages in data transmission, bolstering the efficiency of communication networks. As photodiodes respond better to longer wavelengths and red laser diodes are significantly cheaper than other colors, they are also used extensively for barcode scanning. Their wavelength can also be adjusted for a specific value by controlling temperature, which makes them ideal light sources for quantum technology.  

3. Industrial & Manufacturing Applications

Industrially, red laser diodes have become indispensable. They drive laser cutting and engraving processes with unmatched accuracy especially for paper, chocolate, colored fabric, cardboard and plywood.  

Surveying instruments and alignment tools also harness the precision of red laser diodes. Red laser diodes aid in aligning components, ensuring accuracy in assembly, and facilitating seamless manufacturing processes. Quality control and inspection benefit significantly from their reliability and precision. 

4. Scientific Research

Red laser diodes contribute extensively to experiments and projects such as exploration of molecular structure, effects of photobiomodulation, and various applications of red light therapy. Their use in diverse experiments highlights their adaptability and reliability in supporting groundbreaking research. High-power and high electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiency red laser-diode lamps have been developed as a new type of light source for plant production. (4) 

High-power red laser diodes are also of particular interest for laser projection, holographic heads-up displays, targeted drug delivery in the medical industry and aiming beams for fiber lasers. (5) 

Conclusion 

It’s evident that there is a myriad of applications of red laser diodes ranging from medical, communications to industrial and more. ProPhotonix offers 633nm, 635nm, 660nm, 670nm and 690nm red laser diodes which are available with power levels from 5mW up to 2200mW. 

As a laser diode integrator as well as a distributor with more than two decades of experience in laser diode technology, ProPhotonix is well-positioned to support you in selecting the optimum laser diode for your application. Our technical team specializes in understanding each aspect of your specification, quickly providing solutions that offer the best value for your application. Contact us now for free expert advice.

Sources: 

1. William G. Telford, Chapter 15 – Lasers in Flow Cytometry, Editor(s): Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz, Elena Holden, Alberto Orfao, William Telford, Donald Wlodkowic, Methods in Cell Biology, Academic Press, Volume 102, 2011, Pages 373-409, ISSN 0091-679X, ISBN 9780123749123, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374912-3.00015-8. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123749123000158)
2. Alter, I., Pennati, B.M., Madeddu, F. and Zingoni, T. (2023), The 675 nm laser for the treatment of facial acne scars in dark skin type. Skin Res Technol., 29: e13514. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13514
3. Coricciati, L, Gabellone, M, Donne, PD, Pennati, BM, Zingoni, T. The 675-nm wavelength for treating facial melasma. Skin Res Technol. 2023; 29:e13434. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13434
4. Yamazaki, A., Tsuchiya, H., Miyajima, H., Honma, T., Kan, H. (2000). Application of Red Laser Diode as a Light Source for Plant Production. In: Kubota, C., Chun, C. (eds) Transplant Production in the 21st Century. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9371-7_19
5. Ruder, S.; Earles, T.; Galstad, C.; Klaus, M.; Olson, D.; Mawst, L.J. High-Power, High-Efficiency Red Laser Diode Structures Grown on GaAs and GaAsP Metamorphic Superlattices. Photonics 2022, 9, 436. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9070436

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Key Parameters Affecting Laser Diode Performance 

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a broad look at how laser diode work.  

A laser diode is, first and foremost, a light-emitting diode with a semiconductor (p-n) junction working as the active light generating medium. As current flows across the p-n junction, the energy bandgaps of the semiconductor material trigger the generation of photons. When these photons interact with electrons from the n region of the junction, another photon is emitted. A laser diode is built with reflective mirrors to form an ‘optical cavity’ such that the emitted photons reflect internally, inducing absorption and faster emission. This process in turn enhances and amplifies the intensity of the light emitted by the laser diode. 

With an applied forward voltage, laser diodes behave like other semiconductor diodes but as the current increases, a variety of factors come into play to impact the performance of the laser diode. Let us dive deeper into those parameters- 

Wavelength 

Semiconductor materials used in a laser diode determine the emission wavelength as the bandgap energy of the materials used control the output. Changes in temperature and current affect the bandgap of the p-n junction and thus can be used for better tunability of the laser diode. For example, Aluminum is known to increase the bandgap energy and in turn, a shorter wavelength. Thus, we often see laser diodes with high aluminum content being used for applications requiring shorter wavelengths. 

Power Output 

Output power is another temperature sensitive parameter, and the choice of laser diode also influences it greatly. The design and capability of the laser diode also determine actual power output. Continuous-wave (CW) lasers produce continuous power 24*7 while pulsed lasers produce high peak power for a short period of time. This makes pulsed lasers suitable for spot welding, pump-probe spectroscopy applications while CW lasers are well-suited for medical diagnostics, scanning microscopy, and sorting applications. 

Efficiency and Conversion Efficiency 

Laser diodes can never be 100% efficient as some of the input power is often lost in the optical cavity either due to the presence of minute impurities or imperfections. Power loss in high-power laser diodes is associated with the following factors- joule heating, carrier absorption, hetero-junction band alignment, carrier leakage, and below-threshold loss (1). Improvements in the diode laser design such as a better cooling system to reduce the losses can result in higher conversion efficiency at the target operating current. 

Threshold Current and Operating Current 

As current is injected into a laser diode, it begins to emit light- defined by the Output Light vs. Input Current curve (L-I Curve). The threshold current (minimum current required to initiate laser action) is required to be as low as possible for higher efficiency. Threshold current depends on the semiconductor material, laser diode design, and its form factor. Operating current of the laser diode also plays a pivotal role in defining its performance and longevity. 

Beam Quality and Divergence 

Laser diodes produce an elliptical beam (see Fig below). A variety of optical components may be used and are positioned to alter the beam shape including collimating lens, prisms or more complex multi-lens designs. For example, a single collimating lens produces a collimated elliptical beam or focuses the beam on a smaller spot at a specific working distance. Additionally, the beam shape can also be altered depending on the choice of diode. For example, single mode laser diodes without additional optics can produce a more circular beam with a smaller divergence angle between 10° to 15°. While multi-mode diodes produce a more elliptical beam with larger divergence angles from 10° to 30°, or as much as 40° in the other direction. 

These differences are important for specific applications to achieve the required beam shape, quality and divergence. For applications such as industrial alignment, several parameters including beam quality, beam shape and boresight accuracy play a role. To achieve perfect alignment with high throughput, these parameters must be adjusted for perfect beam delivery to the target area.  

Temperature Sensitivity and Thermal Management 

As we have seen above, wavelength, output power and overall efficiency of the laser are highly dependent on temperature. As the temperature increases for a given fixed current, the output power decreases. Overheating of the diode laser can also lead to wavelength instability, degradation of beam quality and high beam divergence.  

To maintain stable operation and extend the lifespan of laser diodes, effective thermal management is essential. Operating temperature can be compensated by electronics such that individual diode temperature does not impact output power. 

Spectral Characteristics 

Poor laser system design, imprecise fiber coupling and ineffective heatsinking are some other factors that can impact laser power stability and its accuracy. The type of packaging used for the laser diode such as TO-can or butterfly package can also impact performance depending on the robustness of electrical connections, contact for heat transfer, and suitable coupling of the output light.  

Conclusion 

To harness the full potential of laser diodes in your applications, consider these parameters carefully and tailor your laser diode selection and operational practices accordingly. If you’re looking to explore high-performance laser diodes to elevate your laser-based systems, visit our Laser Diode Page to view a wide range of wavelengths and power outputs. ProPhotonix has the expertise to help you in selecting the right laser diode for your specific application. Let us help you find the perfect laser diode solution to meet your specific needs and optimize your system’s performance. 

Sources: 

1. Chuanwang Xu, Aiyi Qi, Juwen Wang, Hongwei Qu, Liang Wang, Fansheng Meng, Renbo Han, Ting Fu, Xuyan Zhou, and Wanhua Zheng, “Doping profile architecture towards lower loss and higher efficiency for laser diodes,” Opt. Express 31, 27894-27904 (2023)

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Determining the Optimal Optical Configuration for Shaping Laser Beams with Lenses

Edge-emitting laser diodes naturally emit elliptical-shaped beams that generally change with increasing distance from the laser diode. This type of beam is fine to use in basic alignment applications that just need a beam pointing in a specific direction. However, an elliptical beam is not ideal for many applications. Beyond this natural elliptical shape, laser beams can be shaped into three different configurations – circular beams, line generating lasers, or patterned beams by using a combination of optics and appropriate lenses.

Circular Beams

Circular beams are needed for applications such as X-ray digitization and 3D scanning where a laser is used to scan a surface and rotating mirrors may be used to steer the beam. The beam is being twisted as it moves, but because it is circular, it will not be distorted as it is twisted or if the mirror is angled. The circular beam is created using correcting optics that turn the elliptical beam into a beam that is the same size and shape no matter what the angle of the mirror is or how the beam is turned.

Line Generating Lasers

For applications that need a line generating laser, there are a variety of characteristics to consider such as the thickness and uniformity of the line and how far that line needs to extend at that thickness and uniformity. It takes two or more lenses to shape the beam into the appropriate line. The first lens will shape the output, or cone of light, from the laser diode down to the parameters that the line lens will need.

The second lens is the line-generating lens. There are several types of line-generating lenses that can be used depending on the uniformity required, and two of the most common are discussed below. A cylindrical lens will produce a line that is brighter and thicker at the center, tapering towards the ends with a Gaussian intensity distribution (Figure 1). This lens produces a line that is acceptable for applications such as alignment in CT scanners to make sure the patient is in the right position but is not as uniform as may be required in more demanding applications.

Figure 1. An example of a Gaussian output from a cylindrical lens.

For higher-quality beams,  a Powell lens can be used to generate a very uniform beam – a structured light laser. A Powell lens resembles a round prism with a two-dimensional aspheric element on its apex. The output line from a Powell lens has a more uniform distribution of energy, creating an optically efficient uniform line (Figure 2). This is achieved when the laser beam hits the apex causing spherical aberrations, which redistributes the light such that it decreases the light in the central area of the line while increasing the light intensity at the ends of the line.

Figure 2. A uniform line output from a Powell lens.

The beam width, fan angle, and placement of the lens in relation to the incoming laser beam are critical for achieving the desired depth of focus and thickness of the laser line with a Powell lens. A Powell lens is usually used in high-precision applications such as a machine vision application where a laser is needed to shine on an object and a camera is used for a specific function such as a 3D profiling or measurements or optical inspection of an object.

Patterned Beams

A special type of optical component is used to produce patterned laser beams including a cross, a series of lines or dots, or an arrow. Two lenses are needed to create patterned beams. The first lens shapes the beam before it hits the patterned lens, which is the diffractive optical element (DOE) that creates the pattern. Examples of applications that may use a patterned beam including the following:

• A box that shines on an object to show an operator where to put a label
• Random dots used for monitoring blood vessels
• A cross for a target
• Arrows pointing in a specific direction

Does Your Application Need a Focused or Collimated Beam?

Diving more specifically into the focusing lenses mentioned above, the position of this lens needs to be optimized to produce a beam of the right size at the correct working distance. The way this is done will vary depending on if the beam needs to be converging (focused) or collimated (Figure 3).

Figure 3. This diagram shows how various beams will travel depending on the position of the focusing lens used in the laser diode.

A collimated beam is a column of light, which means it should be parallel from the moment it leaves the laser diode to the moment it hits its target. In reality, the beam will increase in size to some extent with distance from the laser module, but the rate of this increase is a measure of how well collimated the beam is. For example, a laser module used to look at wear on a rail track needs a high-quality collimated line laser that can uniformly shine on the rail so a camera can be used to look for possible wear on the track. Since the train moves up and down on the rail, if a collimated beam were not used, the train could cause the laser beam size to change where the beam meets the rail, making it difficult to identify wear on the track.

Other applications require a beam that is focused to the smallest possible size at a specific working distance. This is known as a converging beam. With the correct optics, the beam will converge between the laser module and the specified working distance (or beam waist) and diverge again after it. The extent to which the beam maintains the same size on either side of the beam waist is the depth of focus. A greater depth of focus provides a wider range of working distances. A blood analysis machine is a good example of an application that could use a converging beam. With this machine, a fixed piece of equipment is used, which means the distance between where the blood passes through and the laser module will not change.

Gaining Optical Expertise with the ProPhotonix Partnership Approach

At ProPhotonix, we partner with customers to define and meet their optical requirements for a custom laser module. Our customers ultimately know what they need to achieve with their laser solutions, and it’s our job to come up with the best configuration that will achieve this. To do this, we follow our proven process.

As part of this process, during the concept phase, we often perform calculations and testing to determine the combination of optics that will ultimately meet our customer’s commercial and technical requirements. While we use computer modeling to develop our laser module designs, there can be slight distortions and optical effects that are hard to account for with modeling. To avoid possible distortions carrying too far into a design, we move quickly into the prototyping phase so we are developing and testing actual configurations. Our engineering team produces prototypes quickly and efficiently at our in-house ISO-certified manufacturing facility in the UK.

In addition to manufacturing parts in-house, we also have well-established partnerships with laser diode and lens manufacturers. These partnerships not only offer our team quick access to the components we need, but we also have the ability to get more detailed technical specifications on specific laser diodes, which means we can determine the best fit for your needs faster. With our unique combination of in-house capabilities and our well-established supplier partnerships, we can accelerate the development cycle and get to the ultimate solution fast. As a result, we offer our customers a competitive edge by delivering reliable, high-quality OEM laser modules with optimized optics faster and more cost-effectively than our competitors.

Learn more about our OEM laser module design and development process

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