Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are high-power lasers powered by laser diodes. These lasers require high-quality precision optics to operate, including optical information processing, laser gyroscopes, laser spectroscopy, and medical procedures.
Laser Optics: What is a laser diode?
A laser diode is an electrically pumped semiconductor laser. It achieves gain by flowing current through a p-n junction or p-i-n structure, emitting energy in the form of photons. Various laser diodes are used in diode-pumped solid-state lasers, including:
Edge-emitting laser diodes: used for low-power lasers (about 200mW), providing diffraction-limited beam quality.
High-power diode bars: can emit more than 100W and can be combined for higher output.
Broad-area laser diodes: produce several watts of power and provide diffraction-limited output without complex optics.
Diode stacks: provide the highest power but lower beam quality for specific applications.
SSL and laser diodes used together
When high-power lasers are required, diode-pumped solid-state lasers are used. Types of diode-pumped solid-state lasers include bulk lasers that use bulk glass or laser crystals and semiconductor lasers, the most common being the vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL).
Things to know about diode-pumped solid-state lasers and laser optics
Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are high-power lasers powered by laser diodes. These lasers require high-quality precision optics to operate, including optical information processing, laser gyroscopes, laser spectroscopy, and medical procedures.
What is a laser diode?
A laser diode is an electrically pumped semiconductor laser. It achieves gain by flowing current through a p-n junction or p-i-n structure, emitting energy in the form of photons. Various laser diodes are used in diode-pumped solid-state lasers, including:
Edge-emitting laser diodes: used for low-power lasers (about 200mW), providing diffraction-limited beam quality.
High-power diode bars: can emit more than 100W and can be combined for higher output.
Broad-area laser diodes: produce several watts of power and provide diffraction-limited output without complex optics.
Diode stacks: provide the highest power but lower beam quality for specific applications.
SSL and laser diodes used together
When high-power lasers are required, diode-pumped solid-state lasers are used. Types of diode-pumped solid-state lasers include bulk lasers that use bulk glass or laser crystals and semiconductor lasers, the most common being the vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL).
What is a solid-state laser?
To understand the technology behind diode-pumped solid-state lasers, one must understand solid-state lasers and laser diodes. SSLs use a solid-state gain medium such as glass or ion-doped crystals, usually doped with transition metal ions or rare earth elements. These lasers can be fiber lasers, bulk lasers, or diode-pumped solid-state lasers, and are optically pumped by arc lamps or flash lamps. Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are the most commonly used solid-state lasers today.
Optical Components in Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers
At MOK Optics Co LTD, we produce a wide range of laser optical components, including homogenizers, laser cavities, and laser mirrors.
Light Guides and Homogenizers
These components mix light to produce a uniform output energy beam. Depending on the application, materials such as sapphire, n-BK7, and fused silica are used. Light guides and homogenizers are available in round, square, octagonal, rectangular, and hexagonal shapes.
Laser Mirrors
Designed for laser applications, these mirrors minimize scatter for beam steering and can withstand high power densities. They are typically front surface reflectors and are available in flat, concave, right-angle, and other shapes. Common coatings include gold, silver, aluminum, and dielectric thin films.
About MOK Optics Co LTD
MOK Optics Co LTD is a leading supplier of custom precision glass, optical, ceramic, and sapphire products. We are dedicated to providing high-quality optical components and advanced coating technologies. Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced engineers ensure that each product has superior performance and reliability. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and to obtain a quote for your specific needs.
For further consultation or to discuss your project requirements, please contact a representative from MOK Optics Co LTD.What is a solid-state laser?
To understand the technology behind diode-pumped solid-state lasers, one must understand solid-state lasers and laser diodes. SSLs use a solid-state gain medium such as glass or ion-doped crystals, usually doped with transition metal ions or rare earth elements. These lasers can be fiber lasers, bulk lasers, or diode-pumped solid-state lasers, and are optically pumped by arc lamps or flash lamps. Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are the most commonly used solid-state lasers today.