Laser Module Distributor in China

RANTLE Laser Module features a unique packaging with industry standard connectors fabricated into the module body. RANTLE Laser Module simplifies fixture modifications, moving of modules, and module upgrades or replacements. RANTLE Laser Module can be changed in less than a minute, which eliminates costly machinery downtime.

RANTLE Laser Module includes internal drive circuitry that utilizes automotive electronics to provide maximum surge and static protection to the laser diode. RANTLE Laser Module offers a variety of output power and lens options to provide a high level of optical and electrical performance.

RANTLE Laser Module also incorporates a high-quality adjustable lens. RANTLE Laser Module’s laser spot is adjustable by the shining beam onto a suitable target and adjusting the size with the focusing tool provided. This adjustability makes RANTLE Laser Module ideal for alignment, position sensing and targeting applications.

RANTLE Laser Module’s beam can be altered to produce a fine clean line focusing tool provided making it ideal for vision applications.

RANTLE Laser Module incorporates six interchangeable optics which allows projection of a wide range of patterns including line, cross, dot matrix, circle and grid. A robust heavy-duty clamp is also included which allows horizontal and vertical adjustment of the laser and the kit is housed in a rugged and attractive plastic carrying case designed to securely store all the components.

RANTLE Laser Module is powered via a USB hub or PC port and does not require any additional external power supply.

RANTLE adhere to honesty and ethics as our business philosophy, and have gradually established an excellent reputation and credibility in our international business.

With the accurate quotation, excellent credit, reasonable price, reliable quality, fast delivery, authentic service, we have won the praise of majority of customers. We warmly welcome people from all over the world to contact and cooperate with us.

Electronic Components  Power Module Related Components: IGBT Module , RF Transceiver Module

Related Electronic Components: PS21353-G

Laser Module: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide focuses on every aspect about laser module.

Whether you want to learn about the components, features, working principle, advantages, classification criteria or quality standards, they are all here.

Take a look:

What is a Laser Module?

The word laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

Laser module

A laser module is containment of interconnected semiconductor laser diodes.

This module is used to convert electrical energy into a light beam with high intensity.

For a laser module, the junctions of the semiconductor laser diodes used to form the active region.

It is this active region that works as the point of light amplification through stimulated radiation emission.

The light produced is usually of a high bit rate and can be radiated over a long distance.

You find laser modules offered for different laser beam shapes, wavelengths, and output power.

Such modules are prevalent in precision industries and instrumentation applications.

What is the Difference between the Laser Module and the LED?

The laser module and the light-emitting diode differ in their emission of light.

You note that light from a laser module is convergent, whereas that form an LED is divergent.

Convergent light is one where the rays unite at a single point known as the focus.

Divergent light rays disperse from the source traveling in all directions.

What are the Parameters Associated with the Laser Module?

Some of the main parameters include:

· Operating Voltage Rating

This parameter describes the voltage amount required to power laser modules.

It is measured in volts, and you find the laser module with low voltage requirements.

The laser module works on the application of a voltage, which initiates the energy absorption in the semiconductor diodes.

The operating voltage is useful in preventing the application of over/under voltages.

When less voltage is applied, the module will fail to start up or have a low response rate.

When more voltage is applied, it may induce a breakdown in the module.

· Operating Current Rating

The operating current rating for a module gives the current value that suits a laser module’s efficient operation.

Current is measured in amperes.

The current demands of a laser module are low and usually associated with the operating voltage.

Excess current amounts for a laser module inhibit its effectiveness and could result in internal failures.

Additionally, large currents will result in large power propagation, which is undesired in the operation of a laser module.

· Maximum Reverse Voltage

Laser modules as containments of semiconductor laser diodes are prone to breakdown when voltage is reversed.

This parameter rating is measured in volts.

It provides the voltage threshold beyond which a breakdown will occur.

When a breakdown occurs at the semiconductor diodes’ junction, the diodes will fail and, as a result, the module itself.

· Operating Temperature

Laser modules being semiconductor-based devices are affected by temperature changes.

The extreme temperature will lead to a semiconductor diode malfunction that will make the module ineffective.

This rating provides the optimum temperature at which a laser module should be operated.

The operating temperature of a laser module is provided in degrees Celsius.

Most laser modules have a temperature value of between 20-40 ⁰C as the working temperature.

· Maximum Power

The maximum power rating for a laser module is important in determining the limit to a module’s power dissipation.

Laser modules are highly efficient with low power dissipation.

However, a power build-up, if uncontrolled, can result in catastrophic failure.

You find that when a laser module is operated at high power, there is the possibility of optical damage.

Maximum power is provided in watts.

· Maximum Frequency

The laser module is used in the conversion of light.

Light is described by its wavelength and speed, which are affected by frequency.

Laser modules produce monochromatic light.

Operating a module at certain frequencies may interfere in the desired light production.

The maximum frequency is provided in hertz.

The design of the diode determines the type of light desired.

Diode design occurs at the construction stage and, therefore, offers no chance to alter once the module is operational.

What is the Linewidth of a Laser Module?

A laser module’s linewidth is used to define the width of the laser beam it produces.

It describes the aspects relating to its spectral density with respect to its frequency and wave characteristics of length and number.

Laser modules have smaller linewidths compared to light-emitting diodes.

Line length of laser module

What are some Advantages of a Laser Module?

You find the laser module has the following characteristics that make it favorable for use.

• Laser modules have an impressive capability in terms of power with high efficiency levels.
• Laser modules produce coherent light that finds use in many precise applications.
• The construction of laser modules is such that it has no fragile parts and can weather harsh environments.
• These modules are small and lightweight, allowing their use in necessary portable applications.
• You find laser modules with the ability to produce lights with different wavelengths and frequencies.
• Laser modules offer long, useful life with the same performance levels making them admirably reliable.

What are the Limitations of Using the Laser Module?

The laser module, like all other semiconductor-based devices, is affected by temperature changes.

You find that working a laser module in temperature environments beyond its rated level will negatively impact its performance.

Additionally, you find laser modules sensitive to high power applications.

Operating at high power will result in catastrophic optical damage of the laser module.

What is the Mode Suppression Ratio?

The mode suppression ratio is a parameter of the distributed feedback module.

It defines the maximum power that could be obtained with a low longitudinal mode count to keep the module functional.

For a distributed feedback module to operate, a ratio providing a figure greater than thirty decibels is desired.

What are the Optical Parameters for the Laser Module?

Some of the key parameters you should consider include:

Laser module system

· Light Output Power

The light output power is a characteristic of the generated light beam in a laser module.

It gives the photon count for the produced light for a unit of time and volume.

The light output power is indicative of how bright the laser beam will be.

· Slope Efficiency

To determine slope efficiency, a curve of the output power of the laser, and the input power of the semiconductor generator is plotted.

This curve provides a straight line beyond the point of the lasing threshold.

The slope efficiency of laser radiation is established by finding the gradient of this line.

· Beam Divergence

Beam divergence relates to the progressive increase of a laser beam’s radius from the moment it exits the output.

The size of the module’s aperture will determine the divergence of the beam.

Since divergence ifs from a point source, you find that the beam divergence is an angular measurement.

· Peak Wavelength

The peak wavelength is an optical description of the wavelength of a laser beam at which the beam is highly intensified.

The wavelength is a quantitative description of the length between two successive wave crests or troughs.

Are Optical Modulators required in a Laser Module?

Yes, they are.

Optical modulators form part of the semiconductor components inbuilt into the laser module.

The modulator controls the breadth of the module’s pulse.

When the laser module transmits optical power, these modulators are used to regulate the power in a waveguide.

What is the Electro-absorption Modulator?

This optical modulator is commonly used in multi-quantum well modules.

It adjusts the semiconductor device’s bandgap when subjected to an electric field.

When the bandgap reduces, the semiconductor component absorbs light through an externally induced voltage.

How are Laser Modules Functionally Distinguished?

The laser module can be distinguished in two ways based on the source of amplified light.

This way, you find the injection laser module and the optically pumped laser module.

i. Injection Laser

The injection laser module is structured on a semiconductor diode device similar to a light-emitting diode.

Also, the semiconductor diode for the injection laser module is provided with ends that are reflective of its narrow body.

The reflective ends provide the direction of the light waves.

Light is produced when a current is applied to the semiconductor junction.

A waveguide is formed that contains the light produced where it is reflected before amplification.

Amplification of the light is through stimulated emission of radiation.

Laser diode technology

ii. Optical Pumped Laser

This module type has multiple semiconductor components that include an injection laser semiconductor diode.

The injection laser diode generates the light source, and the other components magnify the generated light source.

Also, the magnification of the light is enabled by the components’ radiation-induced stimulation of the produced light.

With this module type, there is less interference of the operation by other conductive structures.

Additionally, you find the wavelength can be altered to desired sizes.

Pumped laser

Is a Laser Module made from Direct Bandgap Semiconductors?

Yes, it is.

A direct gap semiconductor is one that produces photons.

A semiconductor is able to produce photons based on its atomic and physical design.

Such a design is crystalline with structural embellishments that provide asymmetry.

Gallium arsenide is a semiconductor material with a direct bandgap and commonly used as the semiconductor material for laser modules.

Other than the direct bandgap, we have the indirect bandgap semiconductors.

Such semiconductors include silicon and germanium.

These semiconductors are single-element with non-aligned bandgaps that prevent them from producing photons.

What are some Common Laser Module Types?

The laser module is a configuration of laser diodes interconnected for the purpose of light conversion.

Also, the laser module is built around the laser diode, and the following diode types can be used to created laser modules.

1. The Distributed Feedback Module

This laser module is constructed with an array of interconnected distributed feedback diodes.

The DFB lasers only produce one color type and, as such, are monochromatic.

This module can alter its wavelengths by responding to its non-localized feedback signals.

The distributed feedback module can be affected by the feedback of light signals, especially those emanating from the connector interface.

Using coatings that can guard against reflections on the connector reduces the intensity of the reflected signals.

You can also use an isolator at the connector boundary.

The distributed feedback module is costly but offers fast performance with limited noise levels.

Also, the fast performance allows the employment of distributed feedback modules in applications where high speeds are essential such as fiber optics.

This module type has the following components alongside its eponymous semiconductor laser diode in its assembly.

• A photodiode is used to monitor the output.
• A temperature regulator for the junction, such as a heat pump or thermoelectric cooler.
• A circuit for feedback control that monitors the output while sustaining the working frequency.

2. Multi-quantum Well Module

The multi-quantum module finds relevance in analog applications as well as digital applications.

Besides, the laser diodes used in this module can radiate distinct light with different wavelengths.

They have narrow linewidths and are, however, slower than distributed feedback modules.

The multi-quantum well module is nonetheless admired for the following qualities.

Quantum well module

• These modules are highly efficient.
• They produce limited noise, providing them a high signal/noise ratio.
• The multi-quantum module’s threshold for a current rating is lower than other module types.
• Modules with this laser diode have emissions with enhanced linearity.
• This laser module can function within wider temperature margins.
• The cost of producing and operating this type of laser module is low.

3. Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Modules

The VCSEL modules have vertically configured semiconductor laser diodes with multiple layers of p-type and n-type material.

Also, the number of layers of each semiconductor material is determined by the wavelength.

Besides, the output to this module type is large, causing the production of a circular beam with low divergence.

This feature provides for increased efficiency levels during coupling.

VCSEL Module

Their efficiency is superior to other modules allowing their use with optical fibers.

You find VCSEL modules with reduced current thresholds and, as such, reduced power demands.

Additionally, this feature provides them with increased bandwidths of modulation.

However, this module type is expensive due to its complex production process.

The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser module is used mainly for research purposes, studying matter under the influence of electromagnetic radiation.

It also finds use in fiber optics and broadband communication.

4. Hetero-Structure Laser Module

With this type of module, you find two ways in which the semiconductor diode is fabricated.

Hetero-structure laser module

· Double Hetero-Structure

The semiconductor diodes in this module are made by layering material with a low bandgap in between materials with high bandgap.

This creates two heterogeneous junctions hence the name.

The difference in the materials at the junction is not just due to doping.

Besides, the emitted light is contained at the junction as the active region.

The amplification of light in this area is stimulated by the interaction of the charge carriers.

Also, the most common semiconductor material used for this type of module is gallium arsenide.

· Separate Confinement Hetero-Structure

This module type improves on the double hetero-structure by layering the high bandgap materials with poorly refractive material.

This way, the light is effectively separately contained at the junction.

Sometimes the heterogeneous junction is made with layers subscribing to different levels of energy.

This difference in energy levels is used to provide the stimulation of light radiation.

Such an arrangement results in produces light with a long wavelength.

The thickness of the semiconductor diode will determine the wavelength of the light produced.

How does a Laser Module Produce Light?

The laser module can produce light at the execution of the following semiconductor diode processes.

How laser module works

· Energy Absorption

Energy absorption involves the transfer of energy from an external source by the module.

This is enabled by the semiconductor diodes present in the module.

When electrical energy is supplied to the module, it is absorbed by the valence electrons at the laser diode bands.

The electrons get excited until they overcome the material bond, moving to higher energy bands.

With this movement, a charge deficit is left in the lower band, forming a hole.

The number of holes will be equal to the number of departed electrons forming a charge pair.

· Spontaneous Emission

The first emission observed in the semiconductor devices of the module is spontaneous.

This means that it occurs without any external instigation.

Spontaneous emission of light photons occurs, resulting in the loss of energy in electrons.

The energy loss by the electrons reverts them to low energy status alongside the holes.

However, the electrons in the conduction band possess more energy.

This energy difference causes increased attraction as the electrons seek to recombine with the holes.

As the attraction forces increase, so does the energy level decrease.

Consequently, the forces will overcome the energy levels resulting in the recombination of the electrons and holes.

This happens at the lower valence band.

· Stimulated Emission

Unlike spontaneous emission that is self-instigated, stimulated emission is induced.

In this case, high energy electrons are caused to lose their energy by producing light.

With the lost energy, the electrons eventually fall back into the lower energy level.

Stimulated emission cuts back on the natural process of wearing out the electrons of energy.

This causes the recombination of electron and hole pairings to come earlier.

You realize that as a result, there will be a production of double photons.

How Long can a Laser Module Last?

The life of a laser module is commonly described as the number of hours it can operate without failure.

Besides, the failure is usually expressed as a percentage.

However, this figure is usually at a temperature slightly above the working temperature, called the test temperature.

Laser modules can serve over fifty thousand hours at the test temperature.

However, normal temperature levels are lower than the test temperature.

This considered you can benefit from over a hundred thousand hours of unstrained laser module use.

An unstrained laser module is one that is operated within its parameter ratings.

Additionally, operating the module at temperatures higher than the test temperature diminishes its life cycle.

It could significantly reduce by up to fifty percent.

You will find some laser modules with sensor mechanisms that monitor the module’s rate of dilapidation.

What is the Basis of a Laser Module’s Operation?

The laser module is an arrangement of semiconductor laser diodes connected together for the conversion of light.

It follows that its operation is dependent on the operation of the semiconductor components contained within.

Furthermore, the application of an electrical energy source causes the electrons of the respective semiconductor layers to absorb energy.

This causes the free molecules present to get into a state of excitement with increased kinetic energy.

The energized electrons will leave their domiciles and move into a high energy level.

Here, they will interact with valence electrons that will also get in motion.

This will cause a loss of energy that will result in their fallback into the low energy level.

The low energy levels were left with electron deficiencies called holes.

So, the electrons falling back recombine with the holes producing energy in light form.

The photons produced to interact with the other free electrons inducing more photon production and light energy.

Semiconductor laser diodes are designed with reflective ends. The ends have different levels of refection ability.

One end, however, can reflective all, if not most, of the light produced.

The simultaneous reflection of the light by the semiconductor device results in a large optical output.

By adjusting the width of the semiconductor diode, a desired wavelength of the produced light can be obtained.

The reproduced photons have identical characteristics providing an unbreakable stream.

Since the laser module is composed of multiple devices, it can be designed to focus the light streams generated.

The result is a large optical gain for the module.

This allows it to provide even more light characteristics than a single semiconductor laser diode would.

What are the Characteristics of Laser Light?

The laser light produced by a laser module has the following properties.

Characteristics of laser light

· The Light is Coherent

The coherence of this light is as a result of stimulated emission. The wavelength of coherent light is in phase with all the waves in the beam structure.

· It is Monochromatic

The light from a laser module is only one color.

This means that it has the same wavelength.

The wavelength of laser light is determined by the design of the semiconductor laser diode.

· The Light is Directional

The light from a laser module is convergent with a focal point and not divergent.

Convergent light is one whose rays are focused due to reflection and refraction.

Divergent light is one where the rays are scattered from the source.

· It is Bright

The intensity of light for every unit area and angle of reflection provides the scale of brightness.

Besides, the semiconductor devices in laser modules have reflective ends that influence the light’s brightness.

This generated light is bounced from one reflective surface to the other increasing brightness.

What are the Resonant Modes of a Laser Module?

The resonant modes allude to the patterns of the light radiation formed as the light travels through the module’s resonator.

As light is reflected, there will be destructive interference, which will stifle some patterns. Other patterns, such as frequency, will be maintained by the resonator.

There are three resonator modes.

· Longitudinal Mode

This model identifies significant differences in light frequency, eventually providing the wavelength.

· Transverse Mode

This mode produces hotspots and may highlight differences in patterns relating to light frequency and intensity.

By designing the module with an active layer that is thin, you can suppress this mode.

· Lateral Mode

Unlike the other two modes that are fundamental, this mode exhibits subpeaks at the other mode sides.

The curve showing output and current will not be smooth for this model. Using a resonator structure with stripe geometry can suppress this mode.

You can improve the performance of a laser module by incorporating mechanisms to suppress the transverse mode and the lateral mode.

Where are the Laser Modules used?

There are a variety of applications for which laser modules are utilized.

With these varieties, come distinct laser modules to serve different purposes.

You find laser modules available in with divergent characteristics such as wavelength and beam shape.

Some of the notable applications of the laser module are as follows.

• Laser modules find use in industries where they provide functions such as cutting, welding, engraving, and welding.

These modules are provided with different optical aspects that will define their use.

• Laser modules have found use in the biomedical field where they are employed in various medical operations.

Medical procedures like scanning and even surgery have been improved through the use of laser modules.

• Optical fiber equipment has relied on laser modules in certain aspects, propagating the telecommunication industry into a new period.

Using laser modules has resulted in reduced transmission losses and improved signal amplification.

• Security installations have subscribed to the use of laser modules to improve security surveillance systems.

Airport scanner technology has incorporated laser modules to provide a more vigorous searching capability.

• High-resolution spectroscopy has experienced advancements on the back of laser modules. This has allowed more discoveries to be made in the interaction of matter and radiation.
• Laser modules are the engine behind light detection and ranging systems. LIDAR systems, as they are known, are being used to drive the self-driving technology for use in vehicles.

What is the Cost of a Laser Module?

Manufacturers of laser modules set prices from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Laser modules have different price ranges, which are dependent on the module’s specifications.

You find laser modules with different wavelengths and shapes of the laser beam.

Additionally, laser modules are applied in different industrial and technological fields.

With each field comes a different requirement for the laser module’s aspects.

Some modules are modified or made to order to undertake new fields of study.

All these factors contribute to the wide price range of laser modules.

How do you Test Laser Modules?

You find that the temperature cycling test is most common in testing laser modules.

This test determines the reliability of a laser module.

A laser module’s reliability provides the duration of which the laser module will function without fail.

In this test, a module can be tested when powered and when unpowered.

The laser module is subjected to temperatures with the extreme ranges of –40 ⁰C and +85 ⁰C for five hundred cycles.

Two cycling chambers are used for this test. One is kept hot at the extreme temperature of +85 ⁰C and the other is kept cold at the extreme temperature of –40 ⁰C.

The laser module allowed a time period of half an hour in each chamber.

Besides, the transfer of the laser module from one chamber to another is done physically.

When unpowered, the laser module is allowed to stabilize at room temperature.

The stabilization period is similar to the chamber period of half an hour.

Also, the laser module is then powered to check if its operation is in song with its parameter ratings.

Failure to power-up or a large shift in its rating indicates a low reliability score.

A decent laser module with a favorable reliability score should provide satisfactory performance after 100 cycles.

Performance over 100 cycles is intended for comparison purposes only. A comparison of laser modules from different manufacturers for example.

What are the Quality Standards for Laser Modules?

Laser modules

There are several quality standards attributed to the laser module.

The standards are subject to a particular modular aspect. Some standards are as follows.

· DIN-EN-62572-3

This standard is also specific to laser modules used in telecommunication.

However, it provides standards for the reliability of use in fibre optic active components and devices.

· BS-QC-720102

This standard is a blank detail specification for laser modules with pigtail for fibre optic systems and subsystems.

· JIS-C-5946

This is a standard providing general rules of laser modules for optical fibre amplifiers.

· EN-61751

This standard is used for assessing the reliability of laser modules specifically used in telecommunication applications.

· BS-EN-61751

This is a standard for reliability assessment test for telecommunication based laser modules.

· IEC-62572-2

This standard is used for determining laser module degradation used in fiber optic active components and devices.

· JIS-C-5945

This standard illustrates the test methods for laser modules used in fibre optic transmission.

· IEC-62149-3

This is a performance standard for laser modules used in fibre optic active components and devices.

It is specific to transmitters in fibre optics systems with speeds of 2.5 Gb/s to 40 Gb/s.

In short, you should consider everything mentioned in this guide if you plan to get high quality and reliable laser module.

At Rantle, we design and manufacture high quality and reliable laser modules.

So, if you want to skyrocket your laser module business, contact us now.