Distributor ProPhotonix adds high-power blue and violet Opnext lasers
ProPhotonix Ltd of Salem, NH, USA, a designer and manufacturer of LED systems and laser modules (as well as a distributor of laser diodes for Opnext, QSI, Sanyo and Sony), is to distribute two new high-power laser diodes launched at January’s Photonics West 2011 conference by optical module and component maker Opnext Inc of Fremont, NJ, USA.
The HL40023MG, a 500mW 404nm-wavelength violet laser diode, is suited to applications such as biomedical illumination and optical lithography. Current biomedical and direct imaging system makers often use large, power-hungry solid-state laser diodes, says ProPhotonix. The HL40023MG offers manufacturers a more cost-competitive option to use a high-intensity diode in a small 5.6mm package. With a low typical operating current of just 390mA, it also saves on power, helping to lower overall operating costs.
The HL45023TG is the first in a family of blue laser diodes planned for development. It has been designed specifically to meet the demands of embedded mobile pico-projector applications, but it is also suited to fluorescence and sensing applications. With a unique and proprietary design, the HL45023TG provides 60mW of optical output power at a wavelength of 445nm while consuming 30% less power than existing, commercially available blue lasers. A maximum operating temperature of 70ºC and small 3.8mm package size suit the growing market demand in embedded and mobile device applications.
“The great relationship between our companies, coupled with the market presence ofProPhotonix, will uncover many new opportunities in a variety of applications for these new laser devices, ” reckons Bob Murphy, Opnext business development director for North America Sales.