Diode Laser Concepts, Inc. designs and manufactures diode laser modules. This guide is designed to explain the key components of diode laser modules and help you select and purchase a module optimized for your application. Please contact DLC if you have any questions about our lasers, technical abilities or need help in design optimization.
Mechanical Housing
| Housing Sizes
Aluminum, Hard Anodized Type III Class 2 Housing is available in the following sizes: 9.5mm x 25.4mm / 0.375in x 1.00in 9.5mm x 40.0mm / 0.375in x 1.575in 10mm x 25.0mm / 0.393in x 0.984in 12.7mm x 25.4mm / 0.500in x 1.00in 12.7mm x 40.0mm / 0.500in x 1.575in 14.73mm x 25.4mm / 0.580in x 1.00in 19.05mm x 56.5mm / 0.750in x 2.22in 19.05mm x 65.2mm / 0.750in x 2.57in 29.21mm x 14.22mm x 25.65mm / 1.15in x 0.56in x 1.01in 29.21mm x 14.22mm x 34.29mm / 1.15in x 0.56in x 1.35in Other/Custom Stainless Steel NEMA4X Environmentally Rated Housing is available in the following sizes: 12mm x 40.0mm / 0.472in x 1.575in Custom Housings are available based on customer’s specifications. |
The housing is the outer case that protects all the components of the laser module. Most of our housings are made of anodized aluminum, are electrically isolated, and are available in a number of sizes. We also have the ability to design and build custom housings to meet your application.
Wavelength
Wavelength
|
Wavelength is the distance between repeating units of a light wave. It is commonly referred to as color, but there are several different wavelengths that are red, green, and blue, and many wavelengths that are not visible to the human eye. When selecting wavelength consider your application and the environment that it is going to be used in. Will the laser be used indoors or outdoors, under bright lights, or in a darkroom? Is a human eye, camera, or sensor used for detection? What wavelength optimizes your application? DLC offers several standard wavelengths (shown to the right); we can also provide many custom wavelengths not mentioned. Please contact us for more details.
Beam Profile
| Beam Profile
Crosshair Uniform Crosshair Line Uniform Line Elliptical Spot Round Beam Fiber Pigtail Diffractive Optical Element Patterns Other/Custom |
This refers to the shape of the beam output. You may choose one of the following standard options: Elliptical spot, round beam, line, uniform line, crosshair, fiber pigtail, or diffractive optical element patterns. Custom profiles are available if required.
Beam Characteristics
| Beam Characteristics
Crosshairs/Lines/Uniform Line available focused or collimated in the following fan angles:
Elliptical Spots/Round Beams available focused or collimated in the following beam sizes at the exit aperture: 5.0mm x 1.2mm 6.1mm x 1.2mm 3.0mm, AR <1.2 Other/Custom |
After you determine the profile of the beam, decide whether you want it collimated (focused at infinity), or focused at a distance that you specify. If you have decided on a crosshair, line, or uniform line the next step is to determine the fan angle (or double angle divergence). If you are unsure of the appropriate fan angle, use our fan angle calculator or contact us directly. We have several standard fan angles available as well as the ability to build to your specifications.
Optical Output Power
| Optical Output Power
Low Power 0-5mW Medium Power 6-99mW High Power 100-500mW Other/Custom |
Measured in watts (or fractions of a watt, the most common scale is the milliwatt), optical output power is the rate of energy delivered by the beam of the laser diode per unit area. There are many factors that determine the output power needed such as working distance, lighting conditions, and the application. Output power can be measured at the exit aperture of the laser, at a specified working distance, or as the maximum rating of the laser diode. Please specify the desired reference point and the output power that you need when ordering.
Electronics - Laser Driver and Power Supply
| Electronics
Standard CW - 2wire Modulated TTL - 3wire Variable Output - 3wire 5VDC 24VDC Other/Custom |
Three options are available to drive the laser. With Continuous Wave (CW) the laser provides constant output power. The TTL Driver allows the laser to be pulse modulated with a factory set output power maximum. The variable output driver provides user adjustable laser output power. Our modules can be run from either a 5V or 24V supply.
| Electronics | Always On | Pulse | Incremental Power Adjust |
| CW | X | ||
| TTL | X | X | |
| Variable Output Power | X | X |
Options
| Options
Sapphire Window DC M12 M8 Flying Leads Standard Wall Mount International Wall Mount Other/Custom |
You also have the ability to customize your diode laser module with any of the following options: A scratch resistant sapphire window protects the lens from any environmental damage. Standard interconnects are the M12, M8, and DC or you can request flying leads at any length. Other interconnects are available by providing DLC with the part’s manufacturer and part number. If you want to power your laser from a standard wall plug we offer both standard U.S. and International wall mounts.
Click here to go to our Laser Selector to design your own module and receive a quote.
