Laser diodes, also known as an injection laser or diode laser are semiconductor device that produces coherent radiation in the visible or infrared (IR) spectrum when current passes through it. There are many reputed manufacturers specialize in making custom optic components for a wide range of wavelengths using different kind of optical crystals, glass, and fused silica, laser diode optics, UV Optics, Sapphire Optics, with or without coatings
A typical laser diode measures less than one millimeter and weighs a fraction of a gram. These diodes are used for a variety of purposes in optical fiber systems, compact disc (CD) players, laser printers, remote-control devices, laser scanning, and light beam illumination. Some of the areas where laser diode optics are commonly used include;
· Consumer electronics: Laser diode optics are used laser printers, CDs and DVD players, and fiber optic communication.
· Industrial applications: These diodes are used as a source of a high-intensity laser beam in many industrial applications and are particularly used for cutting, drilling, welding, etc.
· Medical applications: These diodes are used for removing unwanted tissues and tumors
· Scientific instrumentation: Laser diodes are also popularly used in measuring instruments such as spectrometer, range finders, contact-less measurement can be done with the help of laser diodes.
· The efficiency level of laser diodes can exceed 30%, which makes it a particularly efficient method of generating coherent light.
There are several different types of laser diodes used for varied industrial applications. Each laser diode type has its own features and is used for different applications. By selecting the correct type of Laser diode optics for the given application, the right performance can be attained. These can be divided into two different categories; - one generates the light emission on its own, while the other utilizes an external source.
Benefits of laser diodes
· It is very easy to work with laser diodes as these are very small. As these diodes have small size and highly efficient pumping, it makes them useful in applications such as optical data transmission and data storage, spectroscopy, medicine, and pumping solid-state lasers.
· They have much simplistic construction than other types of lasers.
· The light generated by these diodes is of high efficiency.
· The operational power used by the laser diodes is less than other light-emitting devices
· These diodes have low cost and are often considered as the most economical choice for much different application
Disadvantages
· These diodes are expensive in comparison to light-emitting devices.
· The light generated by these diodes adversely affects the eyes.
Laser Diode is one of the most versatile and coherent light sources used in all areas of electronics from domestic equipment, through commercial applications to hash industrial environments. It proves to be economical solutions ensuring a reliable and high level of performance in industrial applications.
