Additional Resources
Blogs:
- “TO-Can Laser Diode Heat Dissipation“
- “The Three Most Common Mistakes when Mounting and Heatsinking a TO-Can“
- “How Removing the TEC Increases Laser Diode Stability“
Whitepapers:
5.6mm laser diode packages, also called TO-18 or TO-56 packages, are one of the most common packages for laser diodes. They are available with Multimode or Single-mode laser diodes with a wide range of wavelengths and output powers.
The 5.6 mm laser diode package is one of the easiest component level packages for integration. There are off-the-shelf heatsinks and electrical sockets designed to fit the pin layout. You can easily install the socket into a circuit board for example, and then the 5.6mm laser diode package simply plugs right in to this socket. Waste heat needs to be considered in this approach.
Typically there is an option for a photodiode as well as flat window or ball lens options for the free-space output
5.6mm/TO-18/TO-56 TO-Can packages are hermetically sealed. The metal can packages have the following dimensions:
The tab is located 45o from pin 1, which typically corresponds to the emitter, and the leads a laid out in a circle formation with a diameter of 2.54 mm (0.10 in). These dimensions are just a rule of thumb and may vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next.
The HL Series of laser diodes are available in a wide range of wavelengths from violet to red and infrared in support of a broad range of applications. These applications include display, medical, biosciences, industrial tools (sensor, leveler), machine vision, scanners, printers and a myriad of other applications being developed in the industry.
The R series of wavelength stabilized single mode and multimode laser diodes offer narrow wavelength spectrum in wavelengths from 633nm thru 1064nm. Package options range 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 REP series includes tunable single-frequency (DFB-like) diode lasers and Fabry-Perot laser diodes in wavelengths from 1270nm thru 2350nm for communications, sensing and measurement applications.
The REP Series is specifically engineered for applications such as gas sensing, LIDAR, metrology, and optical communications. Multiple packaging options are available including the Fiber coupled 14-pin butterfly, TO39 (w/TEC), and TO56.
For a complete module incorporating the fiber coupled butterfly package with an integrated current driver and TEC controller, designed for ease of operation, it is the ideal platform for high stability gas detection or remote sensing. See the DX1 Series.
The TG Series of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor laser diodes emit in the blue spectral range, offering non-standard wavelengths from 420nm up to 460 nm with a typical output power of 50mW and an absolute maximum output power of 100mW. Assembled in a 5.6 mm (TO-56) packages the TG series is a suitable for a wide range of OEM applications that require blue/violet light.
The VD Series of Vertical Cavity, Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) emitters, and arrays are available in a wide range of output powers in wavelengths of 850nm and 940nm. Standard options include VCSEL, VCSEL w/ Diffusor, VCSEL & PD w/ Diffusor, and pulsed VCSELs. These low-cost lasers are ideal for a wide range of consumer products.