News

16 June 2009

 

Osram launches mini laser bars for more efficient fiber coupling

Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany has made available samples of a new generation of mini laser bars (emitting at wavelengths of 910-1020nm) that have been optimized for fiber injection. Their output and beam parameters have been closely matched so that the light beam, which leaves the small laser aperture at a defined angle, can be coupled more efficiently into a small fiber core diameter with a restricted acceptance angle. Series production will start in early 2010.

The new laser bar’s high brilliance (output power per unit area and solid angle, defining how much light can be efficiently injected into a glass fiber) has been achieved by the new VLOC (very large optical cavity) epitaxial structure as well as new proprietary mirror coating technology. “Our new mini bars have a high optical output and efficiency, which enables us to offer tailor-made solutions for cost-effective fiber-coupled laser diodes,” says Dr Jörg Heerlein, head of laser product marketing.

Mini laser bars also combine the advantages of single emitters with those of classic 1cm bars. They are cost-effective, durable and, due to their small size, can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different applications, says the firm. In contrast to conventional fiber-coupled diode laser systems, the new bar structures allow more cost-effective beam-forming concepts to be used for fiber coupling. The associated reduction in system costs is a major factor in making diode laser systems more attractive for direct material processing, particularly in comparison with alternative laser solutions, says Osram Opto.

The mini laser bars are available in various application-specific product families, with fill factors of 10-20% and typical efficiencies of up to 65%. In addition to pumping fiber lasers, they can also used for direct micro-material processing, such as marking and micro-welding.

Their brilliance is exemplified by the SPL BF series, which has a fill factor of 10% and provides an output of 8W per emitter at an emitter width of 100µm, with a slow-axis divergence of < 7° (the value applies to 95% output). The maximum output compatible with long life is about 12W per 100µm emitter. With five emitters, the beam parameter product is 15mm x mrad. With the aid of simple optics, the light from several mini laser bars can be coupled into a fiber with a core diameter of 200µm and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22. Fiber output of more than 200W can hence be achieved. Depending on requirements, many further designs and specifications can also be produced on the basis of the new technology, adds the firm.

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