Source: Nature

The Versatility of Diode-Pumped Lasers

Introduction

Diode-pumped lasers have revolutionized various industries with their efficiency and versatility. One of the significant advancements in this field is the Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VECSELs), also known as semiconductor disk lasers. These lasers offer a broad wavelength coverage, multi-watt power output, low noise, excellent spatial quality, and tunable narrow-linewidth operation, making them ideal for applications requiring diverse wavelengths and high power with narrow spectral linewidths.

Applications of Diode-Pumped Lasers

Diode-pumped solid-state lasers find applications in various fields such as medical, material processing, LiDAR, spectroscopy, and laser pumping. They are used for emitting different wavelengths for specific purposes, ranging from femtosecond to nanosecond pulses. These lasers are crucial in industries where precision and power are paramount.

Types of Diode-Pumped Lasers

There are several types of diode-pumped lasers available in the market, each catering to specific needs:

1. **VECSELs**: Known for their broad wavelength coverage and high power output.
2. **Femtosecond, Picosecond, and Nanosecond Lasers**: Offered by EKSPLA for research and industrial applications.
3. **Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers**: Provided by Monocrom for various applications, including medical and material processing.
4. **Passively Q-switched Lasers**: Offered by Teem Photonics for generating intense sub-nanosecond pulses.
5. **Advanced Solid-State Lasers**: ALPHALAS provides lasers with pulse durations in the nanosecond or picosecond region.
6. **Continuous-Wave and Pulsed Lasers**: HÜBNER Photonics offers DPLs with wavelengths between 355 nm and 1064 nm.
7. **Wavelength Conversion Lasers**: GWU-Lasertechnik provides solutions with continuous, gap-free tunability from deep-UV to the infrared spectral range.
8. **High Power and Energy Lasers**: CNI offers a wide range of diode-pumped lasers with various features.

Advantages of Diode-Pumped Lasers

Diode-pumped lasers have several advantages over traditional lasers, including higher efficiency, compactness, reliability, and longer lifetime. They offer precise control over parameters such as pulse duration, repetition rates, and energy levels, making them versatile tools for a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diode-pumped lasers have transformed the laser industry with their efficiency, versatility, and precision. With a wide range of options available from different suppliers, these lasers continue to drive innovation in various fields, from healthcare to manufacturing. Their ability to deliver high power output with excellent beam quality makes them indispensable tools for modern technology.

Source: MDPI
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