High Power Diode Laser Research Articles

White Light Generation and Stability Analysis of High-Power Blue LDs with Remote YAG Phosphors

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of white light generation and the associated aging dynamics using high-power blue laser diodes (LDs) combined with transmissive single crystal remote YAG phosphors. By systematically varying input currents (ranging from 0.6 A to 3 A) and phosphor thicknesses (250 μm and 500 μm), this study elucidates the optical and electrical characteristics of LD-phosphor systems under diverse operating conditions. The results highlight the system’s potential for stable and efficient white light generation, making it suitable for high-power lighting applications. Experimental setups included both single LDs and a 4 × 2 LD array. For the single LD, a peak optical output of 4.16 W was achieved at 3 A, corresponding to an initial luminous flux of approximately 700 Lm and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4653 K, with minimal color temperature shift observed during a 60 min aging process. The 4 × 2 LD array demonstrated consistent white light output across varying phosphor thicknesses, with maximum luminous fluxes of 1857 Lm at 1.4 A and 2622 Lm at 1.6 A for phosphor thicknesses of 250 μm and 500 μm, respectively. Importantly, the phosphor exhibited excellent thermal stability throughout the aging process, with the CCT maintained within a range of 4600 K to 5500 K. These findings underscore the reliability and applicability of LD-based white light systems in demanding high-power lighting environments, offering a promising alternative to conventional light sources for automotive, industrial, and specialized lighting applications.

High-power and ultra-wide-tunable fiber-type external-cavity diode lasers

High-power and wide-tunable fiber-type external-cavity diode lasers (FTECDLs) are of pivotal importance across various scientific and practical applications, such as polarization lidar, communication, sensing, and spectroscopy. As the output power and tuning characteristics are currently much lower than the saturation power and bandwidth of semiconductor gain media, further improvements conventionally require additional gain media in parallel and external amplifiers, resulting in lower energy efficiency and complex configurations. This study implemented energy manipulation in FTECDLs with a single gain medium, overcoming the mutual restriction between low damage threshold and laser output power. This approach makes it possible to completely exploit the intrinsic performance of the semiconductor gain medium. We demonstrated various FTECDL designs, achieving a maximum tuning range of 226.8 nm, maximum output power of 160 mW, and maximum optical signal-to-noise ratio of 86.3 dB with different configurations. These results are the highest levels ever achieved for E, S, C, L, and U bands. Additionally, the achieved polarization extinction ratio of nearly 38 dB has not been previously reported. Our work provides significant guidance for the design of traveling wave ring cavity (TWRC) lasers, including free-space light semiconductor and solid-state lasers with a TWRC.

PT-symmetry and radiation structure of high-power laser diodes

Possible conditions for the application of the quantum formalism of PT-symmetry in solving the wave equation in systems with pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian for determining the structure of the optical field and radiation spectra of modern high-power laser diodes are considered. The physical mechanisms affecting the spatial and spectral separation of radiation into separate generation channels are discussed.

Fine and rough structure of the frequency spectrum of high-power laser diodes during slow degradation

It is shown that a fine and rough structure can be distinguished in the radiation spectrum of a powerful laser diode. The relationship between the spectrum characteristics and the internal parameters of the laser structure was established and experimentally verified, which was observed during the degradation of the device. The effect of losses in the resonator and coherence of laser radiation on both the fine and rough structure of its radiation spectrum is shown.

Evaluation of the photothermal effects of the subdermal high-power laser in the skin of an experimental rat model.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the photothermal effects of a subdermal high-power diode laser at a wavelength (λ) of 1470nm in the skin of rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were used, divided into 2 groups: placebo laser (PL) and active laser (AL). A high-power diode laser equipment was applied to 5 subdermal vectors on the animal's back region. The results demonstrated that active laser animals showed a better arrangement of collagen fiber bands, an increase in the thickness of the dermis and the number of vessels. Furthermore, animals treated with active laser showed an increased immunoexpression of TGF-β and VEGF compared to the placebo. The present work demonstrated that the subdermal high-power diode laser increases the vascularization and the expression of factors that enhance skin regeneration and may be promising resource in the esthetic and dermatology clinical treatment of skin rejuvenation.

High-power diode laser spectrally narrowed with prism-etalon feedback.

A simple method for reducing the linewidth of a diode laser while maintaining high output power is described. It is based on a dispersive prism and a thin etalon for retroreflective feedback. The etalon creates two weak external cavities that provide spectral selectivity that is periodic with a period equal to the etalon's free spectral range. The method was applied to a multimode blue laser diode, which in the absence of feedback features a linewidth of several nanometers. The spectral properties of the laser were investigated for different etalon thicknesses and operating currents and tested in the presence of temperature fluctuations. With a SF11 equilateral uncoated prism near Brewster's angle and a 0.3 mm-thick uncoated fused silica etalon, the linewidth was reduced 20-fold to 70pm (3.6 cm-1) with an output power of 3W at a current of 2.15A. The largest diode current probed was 2.75A, which resulted in a linewidth of 100pm (5.1 cm-1) and an output power of 4W. In contrast to the use of, for example, a volume Bragg grating, a high degree of flexibility is afforded as the same prism-etalon pair can be used across the visible and near infrared.

Effect of different beam distances in laser soldering process: a numerical and experimental study

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of different beam distance by understanding laser beam influence on solder joint quality. The utilisation numerical-based simulations and experimental validation will help to minimise the formation of micro void in PTH that can lead to cracks and defects on passive devices.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a combination approach of numerical-based simulation using Finite Volume Method (FVM) and experimental validation to explore the impact of different laser beam distances on solder joint quality in PTH assemblies. The study visualises solder flow and identifies the optimal beam distance for placing a soldering workpiece and a suitable tolerance distance for inserting the solder wire.FindingsThe simulation results show the formation of micro void that occurs in PTH region with low volume fraction and unbalance heat concentration profile observed. The experimental results indicate that the focus point of the laser beam at a 99.0 mm distance yields the smallest beam size. Simulation visualisation demonstrates that the laser beam’s converging area at +4.6 mm from the focus point which provides optimal tolerance distances for placing the solder wire. The high-power laser diode exhibits maximum tolerance distance at 103.6 mm from the focus point where suitable beam distance for positioning of the soldering workpiece with 50% laser power. The simulation results align with the IPC-A-610 standard, ensuring optimal filling height, fillet shape with a 90° contact angle and defect-free.Practical implicationsThis research provides implications for the industry by demonstrating the capability of the simulation approach to produce high-quality solder joints. The parameters, such as beam distance and power levels, offer practical guidelines for improving laser soldering processes in the manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field by combining high-power laser diode technology with numerical-based simulations to optimise the beam distance parameters for minimising micro void formation in the PTH region.

Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation of Thermal Stress and Melt Pool Characteristics Using High Power Laser Diode Beam on 7075 Aluminum Alloy

Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation of Thermal Stress and Melt Pool Characteristics Using High Power Laser Diode Beam on 7075 Aluminum Alloy

High-power 940 nm DFB laser diode with large optical cavity.

High-power laser diodes with a stable wavelength and narrow linewidth are crucial for many applications. In this study, we introduce a first-order distributed feedback (DFB) grating into an asymmetric large-cavity laser diode operating around 940 nm. This design maintains high output power and offers a wide temperature locking range. The nearly sinusoidal shape first-order grating is fabricated by ultraviolet (UV) nanoimprint lithography, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) dry etching, and wet polishing. At a heat sink temperature of 25°C, the DFB laser diode, with a 200 µm stripe width and 4 mm cavity length, achieves a maximum output power of 24.8 W and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.4 nm under continuous-wave (CW) conditions. The maximum slope efficiency is calculated to be 1.04 W/A. At an output power of 10.7 W, the device reaches a peak wall-plug efficiency of 56%. Under quasi-continuous operation at 20 A, the laser output spectrum remains locked to the DFB grating over a temperature range from -10°C to 110°C, with a temperature coefficient of 0.062 nm/°C.

Optimization of Heat-Dissipation Structure of High-Power Diode Laser in Space Environments.

The high-power laser diode (HPLD) has witnessed increasing application in space, as the aerospace industry is developing rapidly. To cope with the space environment, optimizing the heat-dissipation structure and improving the heat-dissipation ability via heat conduction have become key to researching the thermal reliability of the HPLD in space environments. Based on a theoretical analysis of the HPLD, a simulation model of the HPLD was constructed for numerical simulation, and it was found that the maximum temperature and thermal resistance of lasers were efficaciously decreased by changing the packaging position of laser bars. The packaging position of the bars and the cutting angle of the microchannel heat sink (MCHS) were determined based on the light-emitting angle of the light-emitting unit and the internal structure of the MCHS. The internal structure of the MCHS was optimized through a single-factor experiment, an orthogonal experiment, and the combination of neural networks and genetic algorithms (GAs), using three key structural parameters, namely the MCHS ridge width, W1, the channel width, W2, and the channel length, L1. After optimization, the performance of the MCHS was obviously improved. Finally, an analysis was carried out on the applicability of the optimized MCHS to bars with a higher power.

Singlet fission photovoltaic cells as dual-wavelength laser power converters compatible with highly efficient solar cells

I applied photovoltaic cells equipped with singlet fission (SF) of molecular systems to dual-wavelength laser power converters (DW-LPCs) that efficiently convert two laser lights of different wavelengths to electricity. When the SF-DW-LPC is illuminated by eye-safe laser light of 1470 nm wavelength emitted from a laser diode, a single photon is converted to a single carrier. On the other hand, a single high-energy photon emitted from a high-power and low-cost laser diode of 808 nm is converted to two carriers by SF owing to its endothermic feature, even though the photon energy is slightly lower than twice the fundamental energy gap. Furthermore, the SF-DW-LPC operates as a highly efficient solar cell. These functions are required for optical wireless power transmission to moving objects including electric vehicles and flying drones. I modeled the photovoltaic process with SF and evaluated the limiting conversion efficiencies by detailed-balance calculations. Conversion efficiencies of the SF-DW-LPC for these two laser lights are competitive with those of the conventional single-junction LPCs dedicated to these wavelengths, respectively. The efficiency under solar light is close to that of the optimally designed SF solar cell. Furthermore, the SF-DW-LPC outperforms other types of DW-LPCs designed on the basis of intermediate band, triplet–triplet annihilation, and multiple exciton generation solar cells. Endothermic SF and carrier/energy extraction into the neighboring acceptors have already been demonstrated. However, molecular systems that apply to 1470 nm have not yet been realized, which is the top-priority issue to be solved to realize highly efficient SF-DW-LPCs.

Near-infrared-LED photostimulated luminescent nanoprobes based on lanthanide-doped SrS nanocrystals

Near-infrared (NIR) photostimulated luminescence (PSL) nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit deep penetrability and low autofluorescence, recently evoking extensive interest for their application in biosensing. Nevertheless, most of the NIR PSL NCs encounter substantial constraints in biomedicine applications, primarily stemming from the necessity of high-power diode laser stimulation or their larger particle size. Herein, we design a new class of NIR light-emitting diode (LED) PSL NCs based on SrS:Eu2+ NCs, which were coated with SrS shell to improve their stability and photoluminescence (PL) intensity. The trap depth and density of the NCs were further tailored through thermal annealing and Dy3+ co-doping, resulting in efficient NIR PSL with a duration time longer than 2 h by stimulation with an NIR LED in a broad region within 700–1400 nm. Benefiting from their excellent NIR PSL, we showcased the potential of SrS:Eu2+,Dy3+@SrS NCs as sensitive nanoprobes for tumor-targeted imaging in zebrafish with a signal-to-noise ratio of 18.9. These findings demonstrate the significant promise of the proposed SrS:Eu2+,Dy3+@SrS nanoprobes for in vivo bioimaging, which may pave the way for the development of effective NIR PSL nanoprobes for diverse bioapplications in the future.

Investigation of GaAs-Based Laser Diode Adopting an Al Composition Gradient Double Waveguide Structure and its Photoelectric Properties

The double waveguide structure of a 1060 nm laser diode with different Al composition linear gradient was designed for achieving high output power. In contrast to the single waveguide layer with Al-free composition gradient structure, the double waveguide layer with a reverse Al composition gradient from n side to p side showed excellent optoelectronic properties. We found that the reverse Al composition gradient double waveguide layer could decrease injection potential barrier for electrons and holes, as well as has a high block leakage potential barrier, which can be help to increase carrier transport and optical confined factor. Meanwhile, it can improve sheet carrier concentration in order to decrease non-radiative recombination. When the injection current is 6 A, the maximal output power and peak wall-plug conversion efficiency are 6.12 W and 81.1%, respectively. The influencing mechanism of these photoelectric parameters on power and wall-plug conversion efficiency was discussed. The novel waveguide structure will be favorable for designing epitaxial structure and providing a theoretical basis for high-power laser diode.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Laser-Assisted Pulmonary Metastasectomy Shows Complete Lung Function Recovery.

Preserving maximum lung function is a fundamental goal of parenchymal-sparing pulmonary laser surgery. Long-term studies for follow-up of lung function after pulmonary laser metastasectomy are lacking. However, a sufficient postoperative lung function is essential for quality of life and reduces potential postoperative complications. In this study, we investigate the extent of loss in lung function following pulmonary laser resection after three, six, and twelve months. We conducted a retrospective analysis using a prospective database of 4595 patients, focusing on 126 patients who underwent unilateral pulmonary laser resection for lung metastases from 1996 to 2022 using a 1318 nm Nd:YAG laser or a high-power pure diode laser. Results show that from these patients, a median of three pulmonary nodules were removed, with 75% presenting central lung lesions and 25% peripheral lesions. The median preoperative FEV1 was 98% of the predicted value, decreasing to 71% postoperatively but improving to 90% after three months, 93% after six months, and 96% after twelve months. Statistical analysis using the Friedman test indicated no significant difference in FEV1 between preoperative levels and those at six and twelve months post-surgery. The findings confirm that pulmonary laser surgery effectively preserves lung function over time, with patients generally regaining their preoperative lung function within a year, regardless of the metastases' location.

High-Reliability Uncooled InGaAlAs Lasers with Unpumped Current Blocking Regions Near Cavity Facets

The facet heating of high-power laser diodes significantly influences device reliability. To mitigate facet temperature, current blocking (CB) regions are employed at both cavity facets of the laser. In this paper, we investigate the device characteristics of uncooled InGaAlAs lasers with CB facets. We observe two types of light versus current (LI) curves and propose corresponding physical models. Our findings demonstrate the high reliability performance of uncooled lasers with proper engineering design and CB process.

MAS:Eu-YAG:Ce composite phosphor converters with excellent thermal performance and enhanced color rendering index for high-power white LDs

Phosphor converters with excellent thermal performance and high color rendering index (CRI) demonstrate vast application prospects in the field of laser diodes (LDs) lighting. Nevertheless, the significant heat accumulation within the converters and the absence of red spectral components pose challenges in achieving both a high saturation threshold and a high CRI for Y3Al5O12:Ce phosphor converters destined for white LDs. In this work, Mg2Al4Si5O18:Eu/Y3Al5O12:Ce (MAS:Eu/YAG:Ce) composite phosphor converters with excellent thermal performance and enhanced CRI were designed and fabricated for reflective laser lighting. Impressively, MAS:Eu/YAG:Ce phosphor-glass-ceramic composites (PGCC) retained a remarkable 97.8 % of the room temperature emission intensity at 150 °C. The reasons for this could be attributed to the strong thermal quenching resistance exhibited by MAS:Eu phosphors, as well as the ultra-thin glass bonding layer of about 150–200 μm. Meanwhile, by integrating the MAS:Eu/YAG:Ce PGCC with a 450 nm laser source, white LD devices operating in a remote excitation mode were fabricated. These white LDs demonstrated an improved CRI of 76 and maintained a low surface temperature of 131.7 °C under an ultra-high laser power density of 47.8 W/mm2 (laser power ∼ 4.70 W). Moreover, the maximum luminous flux and luminous efficiency of the white LDs were 484 lm and 103 lm/W, respectively. Therefore, the design of MAS:Eu/YAG:Ce composite phosphor converters offers a new approach for the development of high-power white LDs.

Correction to: High power diode laser in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma in young patients

Correction to: High power diode laser in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma in young patients

Correction to: Surgical treatment of oral leukoplakia in tongue by using high-power diode laser: a case report

Correction to: Surgical treatment of oral leukoplakia in tongue by using high-power diode laser: a case report

Generation of tunable continuous-wave THz signals using high-power multiple wavelengths DFB diode laser array

We report a high-power multiple wavelengths distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser array chip for generating continuously tunable terahertz (THz) signals. Each laser within this laser array chip outputs a single-mode output power of up to 90 mW, with a maximum single-mode output power exceeding 120 mW, and the narrowest linewidth is 32.6 kHz. By employing optical heterodyne approach using a commercial uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD), we demonstrated a continuously room temperature tunable THz signal output spanning frequency range of 0.075 THz to 2.63 THz. Our high-power multiple-wavelengths DFB diode laser array chip has achieved a record continuously tunable range with high power and narrow linewidth, providing a high-power, low-cost, and compact photonic chip solution for room temperature continuously tunable terahertz sources.

Evaluation of Three Methods for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial

ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gluma and high-power 980-nm diode laser, alone or in combination, in the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity. MethodsA total of 20 patients (5 men and 15 women), aged 25 to 60 years, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study. A total of 60 teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: G1, 980 nm diode laser (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G2, Gluma (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G3, 980 nm diode laser plus Gluma; and G4: control. Thermal (cold spray) and air blast (air syringe of dental unit) stimuli were used to evaluate cervical dentin hypersensitivity in the patients. Their pain response was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment (baseline), in the first treatment session (15 minutes after treatment), in the second treatment session (after 1 week), and in 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up sessions. The obtained data were analysed using non-parametric tests, including Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test, in SPSS Version 22 at a significance level of P < .05. ResultsBased on the results, there was a significant difference in the average VAS scores for cold and air blast stimuli between the 4 groups 1 month after the intervention (P < .05). Meanwhile, the laser group had the lowest VAS score for cold and air stimuli. On the contrary, no significant difference was found between the 4 groups 3 months after the intervention (P ˃ .05). ConclusionThe present results showed that 980-nm diode laser alone was more effective than the other 2 intervention methods for 1 month. Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120901010703N5).