Laser modules are compact units that integrate laser diodes with necessary optics, cooling systems, and electronics to provide a versatile and user-friendly laser solution.
1. Wavelength Stabilized Diode Laser Modules: Coherent offers SureLock laser modules that are single-frequency or narrowed linewidth lasers with stabilized temperature operation and high efficiency, making them ideal for applications like Raman spectroscopy and metrology .
2. General Features of Laser Diode Modules: These modules often contain one or several laser diodes combined with optics and electronics. They can shape the output beam, offer fiber coupling, power and wavelength stabilization, power modulation, pulse generation, and wavelength conversion .
3. Beam Shaping: Modules may include optics to create a collimated beam with low divergence, which is useful for efficient transmission and coupling to optical fibers .
4. Fiber Coupling: Some modules are designed to directly launch light into an optical fiber, known as "pig-tailed" laser diodes, which can be single-mode or multimode depending on the power level .
5. Power and Wavelength Stabilization: Modules may feature internal feedback loops for power stabilization and techniques like frequency-filtered optical feedback or temperature stabilization to maintain a consistent wavelength .
6. Power Modulation and Pulse Generation: Some modules allow for power modulation and can generate nanosecond or picosecond light pulses with integrated driver electronics .
7. Wavelength Conversion: Modules with internal frequency doublers can produce green laser light, containing an amplified single-mode laser diode and a nonlinear waveguide .
8. Electrical Connections and Protection: Laser modules may include ESD protection, voltage regulation, and power monitoring to ensure safe and stable operation .
9. Cooling and Temperature Stabilization: High-power modules can facilitate cooling with metallic surfaces for mounting on coolers, and temperature stabilization is crucial for maintaining a stable emission wavelength .
10. Applications: Laser diode modules are used in a wide range of applications including optical element alignment, printing, imaging, displays, bar code scanning, optical data storage, sensors, laser pumping, communications, and medical uses .
Coherent also offers a broader range of superior performing diode laser modules that are compact, reliable, and suitable for various applications, including UV, visible, and near-IR lasers, as well as top hat profile lasers and wavelength stabilized modules . These modules are designed to meet high-quality performance standards and are proven for their reliability.