Laser diodes are ahead of their time

The new Sanyo laser diode catalogue for 2008 has just been released and is available as a free download from the Photonic Products website.

The newest Sanyo laser diodes, from 405 to 830nm are specified individually.

The range includes high power diodes for use with CD-R, industrial laser diodes at 635nm, 808nm laser diodes for use as a light source for green laser modules and 405nm blue-violet laser diodes for next generation optical disks and other industrial applications.

Sanyo has also launched a range of diode-pumped solid-state green laser modules with thermoelectric control; output powers of 5 and 10mW are available with a typical lasing wavelength of 532nm.

The modules offer exceptional wavelength and power performance over the wide operating temperature range of -10 to +50C, which added to the low operating current and compact package makes them suitable for a variety demanding industrial and laboratory applications.

Several new 405nm high power blue-violet laser diodes are introduced which have a built-in photodiode for monitoring laser output, allowing for easier control of the auto power circuit and greater reliability and precision for very demanding applications.

These include the DL-4146-101S which has an optical output power of 20mW and a low threshold current of 26mA, the DL-5146-101S with an optical output power of 45mW and the DL-7146-101S which offers a very high output power of 85mW.

All three laser diodes have an operating temperature range of 0 to +75C.

The catalogue is an extremely useful laser diode reference source, with helpful diagrams and definitions of laser diode features and electric optical characteristics such as light output power and threshold current.

Safety precautions are also specified including absolute maximum ratings, soldering conditions, how to prevent breakdown due to static electricity or surge current, package handling and catastrophic optical damage levels, among other considerations.

Precautions for the safe use of blue-violet 405nm laser diodes are covered separately due to their higher voltage and the fact that the output light from a blue-violet laser diode is very harmful to the human eye.