In today’s world, laser diodes are significantly used. They are used on the large scale as well on the small scale. And it’s all because the laser diodes are versatile, offering a wide of structures for industrial uses.
How do laser diodes operate?
The laser diodes are very similar to lighting-emitting diodes or LEDs. These diodes have an active medium semiconductor.
The laser diodes emit light in continuous wave mode from anywhere from several watts down to just mill watts of power. Talking about industrial diodes, they lack the ability to be overdriven and even small periods of exceeding the maximum power. The exceeding of the power causes damage to laser resonators and effectively shuts down the laser. For industrial purposes, pulsed laser diodes are a good option. They can overdrive effectively and easily for short periods. This is possible with short pulses that are followed by pauses.
To enhance the performance of the laser diodes, many components or parts are used such as pump laser protectors.
What are the uses of laser diodes?
Industrially, small-sized laser diodes are used in laser printers, bar code scanners, laser pointers, and CD planners. On the other hand, the large-sized laser diodes are in defense applications such as the pulsed laser rangefinders in military tanks. Also, in defense, the larger varieties of laser diodes as directed energy strike systems that produce powerful lights to destroy land mines, rockets, mortar rounds, and other ordinances.
In the medical department, the laser diodes or the technology in cosmetic applications such as Intense Pulsed Light for hair, age spots, and wrinkle removal. Also, laser diode technology is used for cavity removal and tooth whitening in dentistry.
Other than this, the application of laser diodes is used in welding and cutting of metals and other industrial materials, fiber optics for telecommunication systems, laser level for surveying, and for taking accurate 3D measurements.
What should you keep in mind while working with laser diodes?
Before you start working, you should know the classification of your laser and the necessary precautions to prevent direct or indirect laser light. If the intensity of the lasers is high, it will be hazardous to your eye and skin. It will burn the retina of the eye as well as the upper layer of the skin severely.
Working with laser diodes can be dangerous to your naked eyes, so you should use protective eyewear like laser goggles. Other than the eyewear, you should use safety equipment “laser-active” signs, door interlocks, and switches.
Laser diodes are useful and applied differently for different reasons and on different platforms. You just have to work with them cautiously.