Why VCSELs for Laser Illumination Applications?

VCSELs for Laser Illumination Applications:

Illumination, Sensor, and Gesture Recognition Applications require increasingly bright illumination sources, low speckle, and uniform lighting. This can be best accomplished with Vertical-Cavity, Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs).

Why are VCSELs ideal for these applications:

Vertical-Cavity, Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are an ideal diode laser source for illumination applications due to an inherent uniform and circular beam emission.  Due to the vertical emitting structure, the beam emits a symmetrically circular beam with narrow divergences in the ~20° range which provides a simple, elegant solutions for manipulating the beam.  In addition, they produce low speckle imagery commonly seen with LED illumination.  The uniform, speckle-free illumination from Vertical-Cavity, Surface-Emitting Lasers provides the end user with the high-resolution and quality currently lacking from typical edge-emitting laser diode illumination systems.  Edge-emitting laser diodes can require complex optical solutions to address the speckle and the fast and slow axis divergences.

VCSELs, over LEDs, are the preferred choice for SWAP-minded solutions for long range illumination applications.  The higher powers and efficiencies achievable with VCSELs enable compact solutions for long distance (100-1000+ meter) illumination.  They also provide improved eye-safety margins compared to edge-emitting lasers.

VCSELs are also beneficial in sensor applications where more collimated light, or longer ranges, are an advantage. Applications such as altimeters or proximity sensors can benefit from using a VCSEL light source when miniature, SWAP-centric high-performance designs are needed.

Platforms and example applications for these products may include, UAVs, automotive, rangefinders, gesture recognition, robotics, fixed mount security cameras, etc.  Vertical-Cavity, Surface-Emitting Lasers are available in the near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelength ranges.

RPMC Lasers strives to provide laser diodes at an affordable price while providing top notch customer service. Therefore, we believe we are the best option for ALL your DPSS and Laser Diode needs!

See our new Lasers 101 page for in depth information on the attributes of Lasers.

Contact RPMC Lasers by Phone: 636-272-7227 or Email: info@rpmclasers.com