A laser diode (or diode laser) is a semiconductor laser that produces coherent light when current is applied. Diode lasers are made of p-doped and n-doped semiconductor material with an active region in between. When current is applied, positively charged holes from the p-doped material combine with the negatively charged electrons from the n-doped material producing light in the form of photons.

A CW or Continuous Wave laser emits lights continuously, rather than in pulses. A QCW or Quasi Continuous Wave laser emits light in long pulses while a pulsed laser emits lights in nanosecond length pulses. Shortening the pulse reduces the thermal effects enabling higher powers. Although all wavelengths can be pulsed, not all packages can be pulsed.

A multimode laser contains multiple modes of light emission in two or more transverse or longitudinal modes while a single mode emits in a single cavity mode. Single mode lasers are characterized by small line widths (generally less than 5 microns) and low phase noise.

A broad area laser is another name for a multimode laser.

Applied Optronics offers wavelengths from 635nm to greater than 2 microns.

No. Although Applied Optronics carries a wide array of wavelengths, it cannot guarantee it will have a particular wavelength in stock. However, we can grow material to meet customer's needs or supply you with similar performing materials that can serve as proof of concept/performance.

Applied Optronics offers any package suitable for the device. If you do not see the specified package on our website or require a custom package, just let us know and we will design, manufacture, source or use whatever package you require.

No. We cannot show all product configurations on our website. So, we may be able to meet your needs with existing material in a different configuration. And, if we do show your product configuration but our diode performance doesn't match your needs, don't assume we can't. We are continually working to improve our diode performance but do so when demand calls for it.

Yes, when the situation is right. We are primarily a multimode/broad area laser diode manufacturer, but in specialized applications with sufficient volume, we can also produce single mode lasers.

Yes. If you would like us to provide you with a power supply, please let us know and we will supply you with the appropriate device.

Yes. Applied Optronics can model your requirements in Zemax and develop an optics solution for your particular requirements.

Yes. Applied Optronics can develop the entire solution for your requirements, including collimating optics, VBGs or other specialized lensing.

You can outsource entire sub-assemblies to Applied Optronics. We will custom design a manufacturing line for your product for both quick turn-around and cost-effectiveness.