Hamamatsu Photonics has developed a high power QCL module that applies a unique QCL beam combining technology to deliver an output power of 2 watts at a wavelength of 8.6 μm, making it ideal for laser micromachining of fluoropolymer resins.

2021/02/24

External view of the QCL module

External view of the QCL module

Hamamatsu Photonics have developed a high power QCL module that delivers an average output power of 2 watts at a wavelength of 8.6 micrometers (1 micrometer or μm is one-millionth of a meter). This high power QCL module was created by applying our unique beam combining technology, with quantum cascade lasers (QCL)*1 , developed based on new heat dissipation technology. This QCL module combines mid-infrared light beams emitted from two QCLs to boost the output power to a level ideal for micromachining of fluoropolymer resins, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that are used for high frequency device substrates, and a vast range of vehicles and transportation machinery. Other potential applications for this QCL module include medical treatment and healthcare.

This new module was designed and developed as part of a project called “Development of Advanced Laser Processing with Intelligence Based on High-Brightness and High-Efficiency Next-Generation Laser Technologies” supported by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), a major national research and development agency in Japan. We are planning to exhibit this QCL module at the NEDO booth at the OPIE ’21 (OPTICS & PHOTONICS International Exhibition 2021), Japan’s largest optoelectronics exhibition which will be held at the Pacifico Yokohama (Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan) for 3 days from Wednesday 30 June to Friday 2 July 2021.

*1.Quantum cascade laser or QCL is a semiconductor laser light source utilizing a quantum structure for the light-emitting layers to produce high output power in the mid-to-far infrared region.