26 January 2011

Opnext launches 500mW 404nm violet laser for medical illumination systems

At this week’s Photonics West 2011 conference in San Francisco (25–27 January), optical module and component maker Opnext Inc of Fremont, NJ, USA, which offers a family of high-power, low-operating-current red and infrared laser diodes, is launching the HL40023MG, a high-power (500mW) 404nm violet laser diode for biomedical illumination applications, as well as direct imaging on PCB manufacturing surfaces.

Existing biomedical and direct imaging system manufacturers are using solid-state laser diodes that are large and consume tremendous amounts of power. Opnext says that the HL40023MG offers the option to use a high-power diode in a small 5.6mm package. With a typical operating current of 390mA, it provides 400mW of optical output power.

“We believe cost-competitive, high-intensity sources like Opnext’s 404nm lasers are critical to improving the capabilities of state-of-the-art instruments like high-performance illuminators,” says Claudia Jaffe, VP of business development at light engine product maker Lumencor Inc of Beaverton, OR, USA, which is working with Opnext.

Lumencor is developing a medical illumination system that uses a light source to perform medical imaging tests and research. “As the industry trend moves toward using higher-power laser diodes, we will continue to develop innovative diodes with a low operating current,” says Tadayuki Kanno, president of Opnext’s devices business unit.

The HL40023MG is scheduled for mass production in February.

Tags: Opnext Violet laser

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