News: Optoelectronics
21 November 2022
BluGlass demos feasible reliability of GaN laser diodes
BluGlass Ltd of Silverwater, Australia – which has developed proprietary low-temperature, low-hydrogen remote-plasma chemical vapor deposition (RPCVD) technology – says that its gallium nitride (GaN) laser diodes have achieved feasible reliability, demonstrating more than 500 hours of continuous operation with stable optical power and voltage in reliability testing.
BluGlass adds that the lasers maintained good performance during testing at 20-25°C, demonstrating light output with less than 20% degradation - a key commercial standard for laser diodes. Reliability testing of these lasers is ongoing.
Reliability feasibility is a critical prerequisite milestone for beta production and commercial product launches. BluGlass says that these performance metrics enable it to increase its engagement with potential customers awaiting alpha and beta products, and indicate that the design is ready for increased volume.
Improvements in reliability are directly attributable to enhanced metals, facets and bonds, completed by BluGlass’ contract manufacturers. Newer iterations with further improvements to the four key components of laser diodes are currently progressing through BluGlass’ supply chain, and the firm is working to increase manufacturing quality and yields with its Silicon Valley production facility and team.
“Demonstrating reliable laser diodes is a significant milestone, reflecting the suitability of our lasers for use in a vast number of applications,” says president Jim Haden. “Commercial reliability is not a one-size fits all approach, varying greatly depending on the application. At one end of the spectrum, we have single-use applications such as pyrotechnics, which require one-shot reliability and good ‘shelf-life.’ At the other end of the spectrum are very sophisticated space-based and industrial applications, which often require reliability of more than 10,000 hours and even years of operation. Many applications, including medical and scientific applications, require less than 1000 hours’ reliability,” he adds.
“Reliability testing is ongoing and, with our recent achievements and progress, we are moving toward a fixed beta design. This reliability milestone also enables us to increase our engagement with customers who are eagerly awaiting products to meet unmet market needs,” continues Haden.
“Encouragingly, we have achieved these results with older iterations made by our contract manufacturers. We expect current iterations featuring new epitaxy designs and enhanced processing through our Silicon Valley fab will demonstrate improved yield, reliability and performance as we continue to refine our laser diodes ahead of product launches.”
BluGlass’ Silicon Valley GaN laser fab now contributing to tech roadmaps
