Originally Published EMDM
May/June 2004
Technology News
Laser Diodes Feature Improved Performance and DurabilityRita Emmanouilidou
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| A red laser diode developed by Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc. is suited for use in a number of medical applications. |
Material and design enhancements promise to boost the performance of a new generation of single quantum well (SQW) laser diodes. Improved electro-optical and thermal-mechanical properties are among the products’ features, according to
Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc. (Regensburg, Germany). The diodes are robust and resist thermal fatigue, even during challenging pulse sequences. Other improvements include a lower laser threshold and a 15% increase in operating efficiency.
A reliable high-power diode laser bar is suited for a variety of medical applications, according to Mayer Engel, business development manager at Osram. The SPL LG81 laser bar is sealed in an OEM package with fast-axis collimation. It is designed for continuous-wave and pulsed operation. A stable mounting technology fosters production efficiencies and reproducibility. The unit has a partly external microchannel cooler that yields output power of up to 30 W and withstands 10º–30ºC temperatures. The SMT-compatible laser bar can be operated with active or passive cooling.
The company also offers a red laser diode, produced in indium-gallium-aluminium-phosphide for the first time. It features an optical output of 0.5 W and a wavelength of 650 nm. The SPL CG65 red laser diode is Osram’s first foray into the visible high-power laser diode market. It is suitable for a number of medical
applications including photodynamic therapy for cancer treatments,
ophthalmology, and dermatology.
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