OSRAM develops direct-emitting green laser diode

August 13, 2009

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors announced lab results for a direct-emitting green indium-gallium-nitride (InGaN) laser diode. In pulsed mode operation at room temperature, the laboratory prototype has achieved an optical output of 50 mW, with the threshold current density at around 9 kA/cm², emitting light in true green with a wavelength of 515 nm. ("True green” light is defined by the spectral range of 515 to 535 nm.)

OSRAM Currently, the existing technology for green semiconductor lasers is to use frequency doubling, where you take a material capable of lasing at 1060nm and double the frequency to produce a green laser at 531nm. The highest output power for a frequency-doubling green laser is currently about 1.5W.

OSRAM developed the green laser diode in conjunction with the German Ministry for Education and Research MOLAS research project which involves technologies for ultra-compact and mobile laser projection systems; Green lasers are also used in a wide range of medical and research applications.

Some follow-up questions for OSRAM: What is the steady-state lm/W figure for the lab results, and how much do they expect the current threshold density to drop? I’ll post here if any numbers are forthcoming.

Posted by Margery Conner on August 13, 2009 | Comments (3)

August 26, 2009

In response to: OSRAM develops direct-emitting green laser diode
Stiggle commented:

Direct emission Blue-violet GaN lasers are already in production. So why would green direct emission lasers be so problematic? They wouldn't be used for storage devices since the Blue-violet offer higher densities compared to red or green. There was just more driving the development of the Blu-Violet solid state direct emission CW lasers...

August 16, 2009

In response to: OSRAM develops direct-emitting green laser diode
Suzuki commented:

Sumitomo Electric Industries introduced similar technology about a month prior. This technology is not something new, I guess.

August 13, 2009

In response to: OSRAM develops direct-emitting green laser diode
Meredith Poor commented:

In some of my rooting around I found a reference to green lasers being used for Raman spectrographs, particularly handheld units used to identify liqids in sealed bottles. While I don't think the laser component is the real cost driver, anything that would make these cheaper would be helpful.

About EDN | Site Map | Contact Us | Subscription | RSS

POST A COMMENT
Display Name

Before submitting this form, please type the characters displayed above. Note the letters are case sensitive: