What is a pulsed laser diode?

A pulsed laser diode, also known as a PLD (pulsed laser diode), is a specific type of laser diode that operates in a pulsed mode.

A pulsed laser diode is a semiconductor device that generates laser light in a pulsed manner. It is capable of producing short pulses of laser light with high peak power and high repetition rates.

The pulsed laser diode works based on the principles of semiconductor PN junctions and optical amplification.

When a forward voltage is applied to the PN junction, electrons from the N-type region are injected into the P-type region, while holes (the absence of electrons) are injected from the P-type region into the N-type region.

These electrons and holes recombine at the PN junction interface, forming a region of high electron-hole concentration.

In this region, high-energy electrons and low-energy holes can recombine, resulting in spontaneous emission of photons (particles of light).

The photons undergo multiple reflections between the sides of the PN junction, with one side acting as a transparent mirror and the other side polished to serve as an output surface.

This allows the photons to be amplified and escape as a laser beam in the direction of the PN junction.

Pulsed laser diodes are characterized by their ability to produce short, intense pulses of laser light.

They offer advantages such as low power consumption, high brightness, and small size.

Their pulsed operation mode enables applications that require high peak power or precise timing control.

Pulsed laser diodes are widely used in various applications such as laser rangefinding, laser radar, YAG laser simulation, and weapon simulation.

They are also employed in other fields where precise optical measurements or high-energy pulses are required.

In summary, a pulsed laser diode is a semiconductor laser device that generates laser light in a pulsed manner. It works based on the principles of semiconductor PN junctions and optical amplification, offering advantages such as low power consumption, high brightness, and small size. Its pulsed operation mode enables applications requiring high peak power or precise timing control.