7 January 2011

Opnext offers first built-in monitor photo-diode on high-power 637nm laser diode for industrial and military use

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, says that customers are currently sampling its new HL63142DG 637nm, 120mW high-power red laser with a built-in monitor photo-diode for use in industrial and military applications.

Using a proprietary design, the HL63142DG built-in monitor photo-diode allows system designers to control the optical performance by monitoring the photo-diode current and adjusting for temperature and power variants in real time. Performance monitoring capabilities are essential for maintaining constant laser output power in construction systems and biomedical and other applications that experience changes in their operating environments. The HL63142DG operates at a temperature range up to 50ºC and 120mW in the 637nm wavelength band in a 5.6mm-diameter TO industry-standard package.

“We expect to see initial demand for this high-quality laser with built-in monitor photo-diode to come from military target acquisition-type applications where precise laser control is an important performance parameter,” says Tadayuki Kanno, president of Opnext's devices business unit. “The industry trend is moving toward producing laser diodes that are high power, while consuming less energy,” he adds.

Opnext offers laser diodes spanning 635–850nm. Its red and infrared laser diodes are proven to consume a low operating current, which extends battery life while maintaining the integrity of the laser diode power in applications such as gun sights, rangefinders, line leveling construction systems and biomedical applications.

Opnext will demonstrate end-application products that use its laser diode technology at the Photonics West 2011 conference (25–27 January) in San Francisco.

See related items:

Opnext reports higher-than-expected growth, to quarterly record of $86.4m

Tags: Opnext

Visit: www.opnext.com