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Product Information

638nm High-output Semiconductor Laser for Ultra-small Color Projectors

638 nm High-Output Semiconductor Laser for Very Small Color Projector
ML520G54
This product achieves an output of 110mW and an electric power conversion efficiency of 28%, the world's highest*1, at the bright red light emitting wavelength of 638nm.

*1 As of January 26, 2009
Overview
The palm-sized, ultra-small color projector has been attracting much attention. It can be connected to mobile devices, such as a personal media player or mobile telephone. This highly anticipated product utilzes a laser beam scanning system using a tiny mirror while also using a small, high-output, highly efficient semiconductor laser as the light source. Such a system requires laser beam directivity and geometric stability, and another an essential requirement is that the oscillation mode should be a single transverse mode*2.

Within the light sources of red, green and blue that are used in ultra-small color projectors, for the red light source, we have been able to utilize the technology that we have cultivated in the field of red semiconductor lasers for recording-type DVD devices. We developed a high-output semiconductor laser that emits a vivid red color to oscillate at a wavelength of 638nm. This product has realized the world's highest*3 optical output power of 110mW and an electric power conversion efficiency of 28%, again a world best for a single transverse mode semiconductor laser oscillating at this wavelength. It can help to achieve a bright display and to reduce electric power consumption.

*2 One of the states of the laser emitted from the semiconductor laser.
*3 As of January 26, 2009
Features
World's highest output of 110mW and electric power conversion efficiency of 28%
For the semiconductor laser with a maximum wavelength of 640nm, which is advantageous for use as the color projector's red light source, we realized an optical output power of 110mW that can maintain the required single transverse mode characteristics. This is sufficient output to display an image with practical-level brightness. The 28% electric power conversion efficiency at 110mW output (at temperature 25°C) is also the world's highest value, so the product can also contribute to reduced electric power consumption.
Capable of high-temperature operation at 50°C
Through optimization of the materials and structure, the product operates at an output of 110mW even in high-temperature environments of up to 50°C.
Main Specifications
Item Characteristics
(typical value)		 Conditions
Threshold current 50mA 25°C, CW
Operating current 150mA 25°C, Po = 110mW, CW
Operating voltage 2.7V 25°C, Po = 110mW, CW
Oscillation wavelength 638nm 25°C, Po = 110mW, CW
  CW: Continuous operation Po: Optical output power
Applications
Ultra-small color projector (especially for red light source image-creation systems with laser-beam scanning using a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirror)
 
Future Development
It is hoped that the ultra-small color projector will be further developed to achieve greater brightness and even smaller size. In the future, it is also expected that this projector will be used in heads-up displays for automobiles in the future. To respond to these trends, we will continue to try to achieve advancements in red light source semiconductor lasers such as higher output and operation at higher temperatures.
Performance map
Performance map