Melbourne, FL--A continuous-wave (CW) violet laser diode module created by Elk Industries that emits in the 400 nm range reaches a single-spatial-mode optical output of 400 to 500 mW. The device requires only 2 W of electrical power to operate, giving it a wall-plug efficiency of 20% to 25%.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer)/laboratory module has a collimated output at a 401 nm wavelength and is 4 x 6 x 5 in. in size. The laser diode itself is in a standard TO-18 5.6 mm can. The device's high output and high-quality beam enable new applications for violet laser diodes and enhance existing applications, says the company. Such applications include fluorescence-lifetime studies, materials research, direct-diode laser pumping of dye liquid lasers, laser-ablation spectroscopy, laser marking and engraving, micromachining (especially of organic materials), forensic studies, near-UV laser Illumination, counterfeit detection, and other uses.

Elk Industries says the diode laser's lifetime and other key characteristics have been well-established by ongoing testing starting earlier this year.