Laser Diode; A Semiconductor Device Which Works In An Infrared Spectrum And Produces Coherent Light Beam
A laser diode is a semiconductor device similar to a light-emitting diode (LED). A laser diode produces coherent radiation in the visible or infrared spectrum when current passes through it. Laser diodes are the most common type of lasers produced, with a wide range of uses that include fiber optic systems/communications, laser pointers, barcode readers, CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc reading and/or recording, laser scanning, laser printing, remote-control devices, light beam illumination, and intrusion detection systems.
A Laser Diode is an optoelectronic device, which converts electrical energy into light energy to produce high-intensity coherent light. In a laser diode, the p-n junction of the semiconductor diode acts as the laser medium or active medium. Laser diodes can use the same types of power source as LEDs provided these can deliver an adequate current intensity, ca. 40 mA. Diode lasers can reach high electrical-to-optical efficiencies, typically of the order of 50%, sometimes even above 60% or even above 70%.
The basic principle of a laser diode is the same as that of a conventional LED. A laser diode is a p-n junction diode that emits coherent light. In fact, it’s more like a LED that emits light with a focused beam. When determining the performance of a laser diode, the threshold current must be low. A laser diode with low threshold current is able to increase its input current slowly, while increasing its output light emission quickly. A laser diode should have good conversion rate, measured by the slope of the L.I. curve.
Laser diodes are small in size, are light in weight, and have low power requirements, making it exceptionally ideal and effective in nature for portable electronic hardware. Thus, they are often used in autonomous vehicles, barcode readers, laser printers, security systems, and fiber optic systems, which in turn is expected to increase demand for laser diodes across the globe. Frankfurt Laser Company (Germany,) is one of the leading supplier of FP (Fabry–Pérot), DFB (Distributed Feedback), and DBR (Distributed Bragg Reflector) laser diodes.