Monolithic focusing optics for single emitter diode lasers

Blue Laser Light – Precision Pure
Monolithic Focusing Optics for Single Emitter Diode Lasers

Dortmund-based LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH is far from being a greenhorn when it comes to blue laser light. The new trend is towards single emitter diode lasers (spectral width: 420 to 470 nanometres) which, due to higher outputs of up to 1-2 W, are becoming increasingly popular in lithographicy, the structuring of flat panel displays and in measuring technology (e.g. in particle analysis). The blue semiconductor laser emitters' claim to fame is the Blu-Ray disk ('blue ray'), where the light sources used, however, work with a very low output, and actually emit a violet light (405 nm). The Dortmund-based company has developed micro-optics for 'true' blue, high-performance single emitter diode lasers; the technology focuses the beam with precision on an area measuring approx. 40 x 40 µm². Micro-optics technology is ideally suited for pumping solid-state crystals or for fiber coupling.
 
"This is a low-cost solution, as we only need one micro-optics device to focus the blue laser", explains Dr. Oliver Homburg, Director for Advanced Optical Solutions. "Users can benefit from the technology's high flexibility, as two versions for diode lasers with or without housing are available ". The new devices have already been successfully deployed for energy-efficient solid-state crystal pumping within the scope of the project 'Integrated Green Efficient Laser' (IGEL), which the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has funded with EUR 3.5 million. The term 'green laser' may be misleading for some: The actual light source is a blue laser diode, the wavelength of which is converted upwards within the crystal to produce a green laser beam.
 
LIMO won't be playing the spectrum when it comes to potential users of blue light micro-optics. There are plenty of focusing optics available for experiments in Dortmund. Dr. Homburg: "Make up your own mind after you have put our latest product through its paces". Visit the Laser Expo in Japan (booth 3D) between April 25 - 27 or the OPTATEC in Frankfurt (Main) (hall 3, booth C56), Germany from May 22 - 25 for more information about the 'blue innovators' from Dortmund.


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