Last Updated on July 3, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Image source Freepik
Today’s lighting technology is heavily dominated by LASER diodes. LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Diode is just among the many sources of laser lighting. These diodes are powerful enough and they utilize the diode working mechanism to generate adequate radiation that will generate the light.
The electrical and optical features of the laser diodes are all based on the materials of the diodes and the PN junction. This is different from the light-emitting diodes whereby the generation of light energy is due to random stimulation. This is despite the fact that both diodes have similar physical and electrical properties.
One key feature that separates diode laser from other light sources including the LED is the ability to synchronize the wavelengths of light. Most sources of light, including the sun produce light waves that have different wavelengths. However, diode laser produces super thin light beams and each light signal has the same wavelength. The light waves from the laser diodes are so focused and directed. They also tend to be super powerful and this is why they have a wide range of applications in different industries.
In this article, we are going to discuss the essentials of diode laser technology and its application areas. We will also highlight some types of diodes that are perfect for supporting this technology.
Construction of laser diode
Just like other diodes, laser diodes also have p-type and n-type materials. These two material types are responsible for the electrical properties of the laser diodes. Additionally, they have metal contacts that will serve as the diode terminals. They provide points of attachment through which you will connect the diode to electric circuits.
Laser diodes have intrinsic layers that are positioned between the p-type and n-type materials. It serves as a capacitor as it allows the p-type and n-type materials to interact as they wait to shift to their respective sides. Proper interaction between these two materials raises their potential to generate high-intensity beams of light.
Generated of the stimulated emission
Laser diodes are able to work using the theory of the generated stimulation. When all factors remain constant such that there are no lasing conditions, the p-type and n-type materials, which are known as holes and electrons, will exist next to each other without triggering any action. In the caser of laser technology, recombination between the two materials can happen so fast within nanoseconds.
Stimulation on the diode will trigger the photon to release energy. This process is known as stimulated emission. The energy from that photon will spread to the adjacent photons and eventually in the whole diode. In other words, stimulated emission will lead to the generation of an optical wave that will have a defined wavelength. The wave will increase the number of electrons that will be flowing through the junction.
Applications of laser diodes
Now let’s look at some of the most common applications of laser diodes
Autonomous vehicles
The automotive industry has greatly benefited from the use of diode laser technology. One such application is in self-driven vehicles which asl also referred to as autonomous vehicles. These vehicles depend on light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology, a special type of laser technology that uses directed light waves to sense the surrounding environment. The working mechanism of the LIDAR is based on the laser diode.
Used in scientific instruments
Laser diodes have revolutionized the fields of research and science. They have led to the invention of tools and instruments that make it easy to carry out major scientific research projects.
An instrument such as a rangefinder camera uses laser diode technology to measure the exact distance between the object from the measuring instrument. Rangefinders are commonly used for surveying-a common activity in research projects.
Spectroscopy is another scientific field that utilizes the power of laser diodes. This instrument is used for conducting deep analysis of objects in different forms, both solids, and liquids.
Telecommunication industry
Perhaps this is one of the most notable applications of laser diodes. They are used in the transfer of data between different places. As we have discussed. Light waves from the laser diodes are highly focused. Data can be infused in such waves and it will be transferred from one place to another. Fiber optics is one of the applications of laser diodes in the telecommunication industry.
Data storage
Closely related to the telecommunication field is data storage. Laser diodes are used in the storage of data. Different data storage devices such as Blu-ray discs and compact discs work based on laser technology. The function of laser diodes when it comes to data is to write data into the devices and at the same time read the data to display the information in it.
Laser diodes in the manufacturing
Manufacturing and processing of products in different industries have been made better by laser diode technology. Various manufacturing processes such as cutting, grinding, shaping, and even packaging can be done by laser diode-powered machines. A direct impact of laser diode technology in the manufacturing industry is fast production of goods. This is where high volumes of products are produced within a short time. The technology also improves the accuracy of the production process thanks to the preciseness of the laser waves.
Laser diodes in security industry
There are various high-tech security gadgets and devices that run on laser diode technology. Weapon detectors and scanners use laser diode technology to determine whether someone is carrying a weapon.
Advanced defense technologies such as laser-guided missiles and laser target systems have revolutionized military and defense technology.
Medical industry
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Modern instruments and equipment used in the medical industry heavily feature the use of laser diode technology. Laser treatments are commonly used by dermatologists to provide skin care treatments. Also, since the diode laser is directly related to light and visual elements, the technology is used for performing different eye-treatment procedures.
In conclusion, the laser diode is an important technology in the modern world. The technology has penetrated every other industry and we expect the trend to keep continue in the coming years.
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