RPMC Lasers provides a diverse range of standard and custom CW lasers and LD modules from fully integrated single-unit modules to multi-wavelength beam combiners. Our CW lasers cover UV to SWIR wavelengths, with options for narrow linewidth, low noise, high stability, OEM or plug-n-play, free space or fiber-coupled output, and more.
CW Lasers (continuous-wave lasers) emit a continuous stream of laser light, unlike pulsed lasers, which store energy and emit the stored, concentrated energy in periodic bursts or pulses.
Learn More About CW Lasers
CW Laser Diode Modules have built-in corrective optics; typically, single-mode modules deliver a circular, collimated output beam. The divergence angle depends on the collimating optics used. CW DPSS Laser Modules are highly directional with very low divergence. Only waves propagating along the optical axis can be sustained in the cavity, where the laser comes from, which causes the lower divergence. DPSS Laser Modules also have high monochromaticity, brightness, and coherence; all the emitted photons have the same energy, frequency, or wavelength. Hence, the light waves of a laser typically have a single wavelength or color and are highly coherent. Because of this coherence, a large amount of power can be concentrated in a small area.
Some CW wavelengths are achieved using Laser Diodes, and others are achieved using a CW Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) Laser. For example, CW Yellow Wavelengths are only available from our CW DPSS (or HeNe) products. Pulsed yellow wavelengths are available from our Q-TUNE pulsed tunable optical parametric oscillator or our Q-SHIFT shifted fundamental wavelength DPSS lasers. For some further reading on yellow wavelengths, see our blog on this topic: “How do DPSS Lasers Fill the ‘Yellow Gap’?“
Our CW Laser Products
RPMC Lasers offers a wide selection of Continuous-Wave (CW) Lasers and Diode Modules: Laser Diode (LD) Modules, DPSS Lasers, HeNe Gas Lasers, Fiber Lasers, Multi-Wavelength Combiners, and Custom Lasers. CW Lasers and Modules are available in the UV, Violet, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR wavelength regimes. Available output powers range from 0.5mW up to 100W. These single-mode and multimode CW offerings are available with either free-space or fiber-coupled output. Furthermore, narrow linewidth or broadband output options are also available along with standard output. Finally, our laser package options range from simple laser diodes to modules to full turn-key systems.
CW Modules typically have either a Plug-and-Play (benchtop / turn-key) version or an OEM version.
Plug and Play versions typically include a fully CDRH compliant control box that includes the power supply and the safety features required for CDRH compliance.
OEM versions typically include the laser without the power supply, heatsink, or the control box with CDRH required safety features. OEM modules are intended to be installed or integrated into larger systems including the power supply, thermal management, and CDRH safety features.
CW Laser Modes
The mode is primarily used to define the type of laser diodes used in the laser diode modules. Single-mode versus multimode laser module:
Single-Mode Modules include the single-mode laser diode modules, both stabilized and un-stabilized, single-mode fiber lasers, and the DPSS Laser Modules. Single mode modules offer the best beam characteristics.
Multimode Modules utilize a multimode laser diode which offers higher output power, but the beam (typically elliptical) characteristics are not as good. Multimode Green DPSS Lasers are also available.
Single-Mode Beam Profile
How To Select A CW Laser:
Welcome to RPMC’s ‘How To Select A Continuous Wavelength (CW) Laser’ page. At RPMC, we have a large selection of CW Lasers and Modules, and we are here to help you select the best one for your application.
CW Lasers and Modules are defined as:
CW Output
Have thermal management included
Have an electrical interface for power and control included
This makes our CW Lasers and Modules some of the easiest lasers to define and use. Important things to note when selecting a laser are; what wavelength/color is needed, how much power is required, do you need single-mode vs multimode, is there a special need for narrow linewidth, or broadband, and what are your beam delivery requirements – free-space, or fiber-coupled output/delivery.
After reading this page, you should have a better understanding on how to select the best CW Laser for your specific needs. Let’s get started!
There are many types of CW Lasers and Modules to choose from including Laser Diode Modules, DPSS Lasers, Gas Lasers, Fiber Lasers, and Wavelength Combiners. These “types” define the medium used to create the laser. In many cases, when selecting a CW Laser, the type of laser is primarily used to get the various wavelengths of interest. For example, there are no yellow laser diodes. Therefore, if you need a 561nm laser, the options are either DPSS Laser, or Gas Laser. If you want more information about the various types of lasers, click on the links below to read more about each type.
One of the main specifications in defining a CW Laser for your application is the wavelength, or color needed. We offer Laser Modules from the Ultraviolet, through the visible spectrums, and into the IR spectrum. The wavelength is usually defined by the application.
Ultraviolet or UV Lasers:
UV CW Lasers offer extremely high photon energy that cannot be accomplished by visible and infrared lasers. We offer UV Lasers at 349nm – DPSS Lasers and 375nm – Laser Diodes.
Blue CW Lasers are available in either Laser Diode Modules or Gas Lasers.
Green Lasers:
Green CW Lasers are one of the most common wavelengths on the market, because lasers in the green spectrum are widely available from Laser Diodes, frequency-doubled DPSS Lasers, and Gas Lasers.
Yellow Lasers:
Yellow CW Lasers are one of the most difficult visible lasers to get, since there are no diode lasers available, but there are Yellow DPSS Lasers and Yellow Gas Lasers available.
Red Lasers:
Red CW Lasers are one of the most popular colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, because Laser Diodes are so widely available, but so are Red DPSS Lasers and Red Gas Lasers.
IR Lasers:
IR CW Lasers include Near Infrared (NIR), Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR), Mid-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR), and Long-Wavelength Infrared (LWIR) Lasers. IR Lasers are perhaps the most diverse category of Solid-State Lasers; with IR Laser Diodes, Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) Lasers, Flashlamp Pumped Solid-State Lasers, and Fiber Lasers, all emitting in the NIR Laser spectrum. SWIR Lasers, MWIR Lasers, and LWIR Lasers are ideal for many applications in the Defense/Military markets and play an important role in telecom applications. To see all of the various IR Laser products we offer, check out these links:
The output power from the laser of module is potentially one of the most important specifications when defining the laser. You need enough power for the application, but over specifying the output power can needlessly increase costs of the laser. Although, CW Lasers can usually be operated lower than the rated power without a change in performance.
Other Parameters:
Other parameters that need to be defined when selecting a CW Laser include:
Mode Type:
Single-Mode Lasers typically have higher beam quality and lower output power, and they are useful for applications like Raman Spectroscopy, Confocal Microscopy, and Interferometry. Multimode Lasers typically have higher output power and lower beam quality, and they are useful for applications like Fiber Laser Pumping, Laser Cladding, and Machine Vision.
Beam Output:
Beam output options include Free-Space (including Line Modules) and various Fiber-Coupled output options, including SM Fiber, MM Fiber, and PM Fiber. Essentially, the choice between Free-Space and Fiber-Coupled beam delivery comes down to what your beam delivery requirements are (how you plan to deliver the beam from the laser to the target/workpiece).
Linewidth Requirements:
Narrow Linewidth Lasers have a tightly controlled, narrow optical spectrum, allowing for a very precise, stabilized wavelength output, and they are useful for applications like Spectroscopy, Holography, and Interferometry. Broadband Lasers emit a very broad optical spectrum (10s or 100s of nanometers wide), and they are useful for various Telecom, Optical Coherence Tomography, and other applications.
How Can We Help?
RPMC Lasers is your CW Laser Supplier. Our technical staff has over 100 years of combined knowledge, a vast understanding of the laser industry, and hands-on technical experience, enabling them to find the best laser for their clients, whether a standard or custom configuration.
With over 25 years experience matching the right laser source to your application, and our wide range of industry-leading CW laser options, the team at RPMC is prepared and eager to help you find the right solution!
If you have any questions, or if you would like some assistance please Contact Us here. Furthermore, you can email us at info@rpmclasers.comto talk to a knowledgeable Product Manager.
Alternatively, use the filters on this page to assist in narrowing down the selection of CW lasers and laser diode modules for sale. Finally, head to our Knowledge Center with our Lasers 101 page and Blogs, Whitepapers, and FAQ pages for further, in-depth reading.
Check out our Online Store: This page contains In-Stock products and an ever-changing assortment of various types of new lasers at marked-down/discount prices.
The FL CW/CW Modulated Series of CW fiber lasers is manufactured to Telcordia standards and is suitable for various applications with powers up to 100W at 1um, 30W at 1.5um, and 40W at 2um. Available in both OEM and Turnkey formats, this series offers a variety of standard and custom configurations. Available options and configurations include narrow linewidth, single frequency outputs, C and L-band broadband sources, PM fiber options, power tunability, and high-speed trig./mod.
The Matchbox series offers excellent performance and reliability in the “World’s Smallest” ultra-compact, all-in-one, integrated laser head. They can operate on a 5V power supply while maintaining low noise operation. The monolithic design of the Matchbox Series laser includes thermally stabilized optics in a hermetically sealed housing, ensuring reliable and maintenance-free operation. This series is available in wavelengths from 405 nm thru 1064nm, with options for collimated beam or fiber-coupled output, and single-mode and multimode versions.
The LGK series of HeNe laser modules boast an excellent TEM00 beam, robust mechanical design, a long service life of up to 30,000 hours, and are available in 543, 594, and 632.8nm wavelengths, with output powers up to 20mW. Choose between standard and customized models, with options for single or multimode, random or linear polarization, Brewster window tubes, and fiber coupling. Designed for long life, low noise, and high stability, with many customization options, these HeNe lasers are perfect for spectroscopy, interferometry, holography, and more!
The JenLas D2 series showcases innovation in high-power disk laser technology, featuring our trusted 532 nm laser sources with up to 8W CW output. With over 25k units installed, our CW-532 nm thin disk lasers are reliable in fields like ophthalmology, dermatology, and quality control. Our lasers operate on TEC-controlled laser diode pump sources, Nd:YVO4 gain crystals, and TEC-controlled internal frequency doubling LBO crystals. Offering the highest electro-optical efficiency, water-less cooling, and high beam quality, our lasers outperform other solid-state technologies. The series offers multiple integration levels, including the compact OEM JenLas D2.mini 2-8W that fits in the palm of your hand and the fully integrated JenLas MLS Green system for medical applications. The JenLas D2 series is ideal for customers seeking reliable, high-performance laser technology with consistent output power and easy integration.
The LaserBoxx Low Noise series of CW diode laser modules & DPSS lasers offer wavelengths from 375 to 1064nm, output powers up to 500 mW, and OEM & plug-&-play modules. These rugged, compact & highly customizable lasers also offer excellent beam quality & stability, modulation capabilities, ultra-low noise output & options for SM, MM, and PM fiber coupling. Our dedicated control software, USB and RS232 interfaces, and external controller with power display make integration, operation, and remote diagnostics a breeze.
The LaserBoxx HPE Series is a highly versatile and customizable laser diode module series that offers superior performance and reliability in a compact, driver-integrated laser head. With a wide range of wavelengths from the UV to the NIR, this series provides high-power output, removable MM fiber coupling options & dedicated control software with USB and RS232 interfaces, as well as an external controller with power display, ensuring easy integration and precise power and modulation control.
The LaserBoxx-SLM series of SLM CW DPSS & diode laser modules are available in wavelengths from 532-1064 nm, delivering ultra-narrow line widths with excellent temperature stability and low noise current. Embedded firmware locks the laser on the same mode at each startup. This customizable, compact laser module is available in turn-key or OEM versions, with GUI for remote operation & diagnostics via USB, RS232, or direct I/O interface, with modulation capabilities and adjustable power options.
The LGR series of HeNe laser replacement tubes provide unparalleled performance for a wide range of applications, have a robust mechanical design, excellent beam quality, and a long service life of up to 30,000 hours. Standard and customized models are available at 632.8nm with output powers up to 10 mW and options for side line suppression, polarization switching elimination, two longitudinal modes, magnetic field stability up to 3 G, and split frequency versions. These advanced options provide versatility for a range of sophisticated and high-precision scientific applications.
The LXCc series is a range of compact, highly customizable, and flexible all-in-one laser combiners that provide the widest variety of wavelength options, up to 7 different laser lines (up to 500 mW output power per line), direct modulation on every source, SLM capabilities, proven long-term stability, and many other advanced features. The turnkey or OEM versions allow a large choice of lasers from 375nm up to 1064nm. The extension module provides the ultimate level of flexibility with options for up to 4 optical fiber outputs, AOTF modulator, motorized ND filter, integrated fast switching output ports for FRAP, or adjustable split power for light-sheet microscopy.
The PowerMir series is a line of high-power, pulsed Quantum Cascade Lasers based on proprietary technology, available in wavelengths from 4-9 µm and either turnkey benchtop systems, OEM driver + laser module, HHL package, or chip. Our lasers operate in Quasi-Continuous Wave (QCW) mode, enhancing wall-plug efficiency and thermal dissipation. The PowerMir series is ITAR-free, featuring high-powered diodes that emit in the primary atmospheric transmission bands. Our lasers produce a circular TEM00 Gaussian beam for superior performance.
The R series of wavelength-stabilized single-mode and multimode laser diodes offer narrow linewidth output in wavelengths from 633nm thru 1064nm, with output powers up to 5 W. This highly customizable series offers package options ranging from components as basic as a TO-56 or 14-pin BF packaged diodes to OEM modules, including electronics, to UL/CE and IEC-certified turn-key systems. The R series is the perfect source for various markets, including chemical analysis, bio-medical, fiber laser, and scientific applications.
The REP series includes high-performance, tunable, single-frequency (DFB-like) diode lasers and Fabry-Perot laser diodes in wavelengths from 760nm thru 2350nm, designed to address challenges in Gas Sensing, LIDAR, Spectroscopy, and Telecom. The REP series includes high-power and narrow linewidth options, covering various product ranges at the most popular wavelengths, providing customizable units with multiple packaging options, including the Fiber coupled 14-pin butterfly, TO39 (w/TEC), and TO56.
CW Lasers FAQs
How do I align my optical system?
How do I align my optical system?
Laser alignment can be a challenging task, but aligning a laser beam doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might seem with the right optical alignment tools and proper laser alignment techniques. Multiple optical alignment techniques have been developed over the years, utilized by technicians and engineers to simplify the alignment process. With the development of these universal laser beam alignment methods, along with some laser alignment tips and tricks, you don’t need to be a laser expert to perform your alignments with relative ease, ensuring your laser beam path is right where you want it to be and your beam is on target every time. Read our article, titled “Laser Alignment: HeNe Lasers, Methods, and Helpful Tips” to get the knowledge and advice you need for proper optical beam path alignment utilizing HeNe Lasers. Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
Should I choose multimode or single-mode for Raman spectroscopy?
Should I choose multimode or single-mode for Raman spectroscopy?
On the surface, this seems like a simple question since Raman is a nonlinear optical effect and therefore the tighter the beam can be focused the higher the conversion efficiency. Seemingly a single-mode laser would be preferable, but in practice there are other factors that can complicate the situation. The first question you should ask yourself when considering which type of laser to choose is whether you are doing microscopy or bulk sampling. If the answer to that question is microscopy, then you immediately should go with a single mode laser. Since the goal of any microscopy system is to produce the highest resolution image possible, the number one consideration should be how tightly can the laser beam be focused down. However, there are several other considerations when choosing between multimode and single-mode. Learn which is best for you in this article: “Multimode vs Single-Mode Lasers for Raman Spectroscopy.” Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
What is a CW Laser?
What is a CW Laser?
A CW or continuous-wave laser is any laser with a continuous flow of pump energy. It emits a constant stream of radiation, as opposed to a q-switched or mode-locked pulsed laser with a pulsed output beam. A laser is typically defined as having a pulse width greater than 250 ms. The first CW laser was a helium-neon (HeNe) gas laser, developed in 1960, which you can read more about in this blog “HeNe Lasers: Bright Past, Brighter Future.” If you want to read more about the types of CW Lasers we offer, check out the Overview of CW Lasers section on our Lasers 101 Page!
What is the best laser for optical surface flatness testing?
What is the best laser for optical surface flatness testing?
It is essential that the laser exhibit a high level of spectral stability, ensuring that any changes in the interference pattern are caused by features in the sample and not originating from the laser beam. In addition to spectral stability, high beam pointing stability ensures consistent measurements by mitigating any beam position drift concerning the position of the sample. Lasers with longer coherence lengths, and subsequently narrower linewidths, play an important role in determining the resolution of the measurement, as well as consideration of the wavelength used. Exhibiting both single longitudinal mode and single spatial mode has excellent benefits. To get more details on preferred laser sources for interferometry in this article: “Stable, Narrow Linewidth, CW DPSS Lasers for Precision Interferometry.” Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
What type of laser do I need for confocal microscopy?
What type of laser do I need for confocal microscopy?
The short answer is: You have some flexibility, but the laser source should be PM fiber-coupled and have a low noise, TEM00 beam mode. The excitation bandwidth of the fluorophores used must overlap with the laser wavelength, as various fluorophores need different wavelengths. So, you may require multiple lasers, which means you’ve got a beam combining alignment challenge to tackle. One way to avoid this is through the convenience of Multi-Wavelength Beam Combiners.
If you want to learn more on the subject of confocal fluorescence microscopy, ideal laser sources, and the benefits of beam combiners, check out this white paper: “Multi-Wavelength Laser Sources for Multi-Color Fluorescence Microscopy.” Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
What type of laser is best for Doppler LIDAR?
What type of laser is best for Doppler LIDAR?
Various LIDAR signal methods for measuring velocity have one critical requirement in common, the need for precise control over laser frequency. While a wide variety of single-frequency lasers have been used in Doppler LIDAR research, the industry as a whole has adopted single-frequency fiber lasers as the ideal light source. Fiber lasers have several advantages over traditional DPSS lasers, all of which derive from the geometry of the fiber optic itself, namely the innate ability to have an extremely long single-mode optical cavity. This geometry allows for the production of either extremely high-power, single-mode lasers producing unprecedented brightness, or extremely narrow band lasers, with near perfect single-frequency output. If you want to learn more about Doppler LIDAR, the critical considerations involved, and ideal laser sources, check out this whitepaper: “Single-Frequency Fiber Lasers for Doppler LIDAR.” Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
What’s the difference between single transverse mode & single longitudinal mode?
What’s the difference between single transverse mode & single longitudinal mode?
Within the laser community, one of the most overused and often miscommunicated terms is the phrase “single mode.” This is because a laser beam when traveling through air takes up a three-dimensional volume in space similar to that of a cylinder; and just as with a cylinder, a laser beam can be divided into independent coordinates each with their own mode structure. For a cylinder we would call these the length and the cross-section, but as shown in the figure below for a laser beam, we define these as the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) plane and the longitudinal axis. Both sets of modes are fundamental to the laser beam’s properties, since the TEM modes determine the spatial distribution of the laser beams intensity, and the longitudinal modes determine the spectral properties of the laser. As a result, when a laser is described as being “single-mode” first you need to make sure that you truly understand which mode is being referred to. Meaning that you must know if the laser is single transverse mode, single longitudinal mode, or both. Get all the information you need in this article: “What is Single Longitudinal Mode?” Get more information from our Lasers 101, Blogs, Whitepapers, FAQs, and Press Release pages in our Knowledge Center!
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The FL CW/CW Modulated Series of CW fiber lasers is manufactured to Telcordia standards and is suitable for various applications with powers up to 100W at 1um, 30W at 1.5um, and 40W at 2um. Available in both OEM and Turnkey formats, this series offers a variety of standard and custom configurations. Available options and configurations include narrow linewidth, single frequency outputs, C and L-band broadband sources, PM fiber options, power tunability, and high-speed trig./mod.
The REP series includes high-performance, tunable, single-frequency (DFB-like) diode lasers and Fabry-Perot laser diodes in wavelengths from 760nm thru 2350nm, designed to address challenges in Gas Sensing, LIDAR, Spectroscopy, and Telecom. The REP series includes high-power and narrow linewidth options, covering various product ranges at the most popular wavelengths, providing customizable units with multiple packaging options, including the Fiber coupled 14-pin butterfly, TO39 (w/TEC), and TO56.