As laser technology continues to evolve, the types of laser sources are becoming increasingly diverse. Among them, the laser diode bar stands out for its high power output, compact structure, and excellent thermal management, making it an essential component in fields such as industrial processing, medical aesthetics, pump sources, and scientific research.
1. What is a Laser Diode Bar?
A laser diode bar, also known as a laser diode array, is a high-power semiconductor laser device formed by integrating multiple laser-emitting units onto a single common substrate. Typically, each emitting unit is about 100 micrometers wide, while the total width of the bar can range from several millimeters to centimeters. Because multiple laser units are arranged side by side, laser diode bars can deliver continuous or pulsed power from tens of watts to over a kilowatt.
2. Key Features
① High Power Density
Laser diode bars integrate multiple emitters in a compact space to deliver extremely high power, making them ideal for applications requiring large amounts of energy.
② Excellent Thermal Management
The bar structure is compatible with various packaging technologies, such as AuSn (gold-tin), all-indium, and hybrid packaging, which enhance heat dissipation, extend device lifespan, and ensure stable long-term operation.
③ Customizable Wavelengths
Depending on the application, laser diode bars can be designed for different operating wavelengths, such as 808 nm, 915 nm, 940 nm, and 976 nm. Special wavelength customization is also available to meet the specific needs of various materials and systems.
④ Flexible Beam Shaping
Although the beam quality of laser diode bars is generally lower than that of single-mode lasers, optical components such as lens arrays, fiber coupling, and micro-lens systems can be used to collimate or focus the beam, enhancing integration and flexibility in system applications.
3. Application Fields
① Industrial Manufacturing
Used in plastic welding, metal heat treatment, laser cleaning, and marking, laser diode bars offer an excellent cost-performance ratio in systems requiring high-power laser sources.
② Medical and Aesthetic
For example, 808 nm laser diode bars are widely used in laser hair removal devices. They provide high power and moderate penetration depth, effectively destroying hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue.
③ Pump Sources for Fiber Lasers
In high-power fiber laser systems, laser diode bars are often used as pump sources to excite Yb-doped or Er-doped fibers, playing an indispensable role in building high-power laser systems.
④ Scientific Research and Defense
Laser diode bars are also widely used in advanced technologies such as high-energy physics experiments, LiDAR, and laser communications, due to their stable output and customizable properties.
As performance requirements for laser systems continue to rise, laser diode bars are evolving toward higher power, greater reliability, smaller form factors, and lower costs. As a key component in laser application systems, laser diode bars are being widely adopted across high-tech fields. With ongoing technological advancements and an increasingly mature industry chain, laser diode bars are expected to enjoy broader market prospects and assume a more strategic role in the future.
Post time: May-26-2025