Coherent has introduced a 50mW version of its popular Radius 405 family of packaged diode lasers, providing the highest power available to date from a self-contained diode laser operating at 405nm
As with other Radius products, these continuous-wave lasers feature a cylindrical housing, with the drive electronics and a cooling fan integrated within the laser head.
This configuration, which is the same diameter as the standard helium neon lasers, simplifies integration into OEM systems and instruments.
Other product features include active TE (thermoelectric) cooling of the diode and CW light-loop control, which ensure that this laser delivers the lowest noise and best stability for any laser in its class.
The Radius is available as a standalone laser head for OEM applications.
A CDRH-compliant version is also available for laboratory applications and includes a mini-control unit, which integrates a key-switch, emission indicator, interlock, and 5-second power-on delay.
The remote interlock can be used for on-demand operation, thereby increasing the lifetime of the diode and the overall lifetime of the product.
Applications for the Radius 405-50 are primarily biomedical: the 405nm wavelength is ideal for exciting short wavelength dyes and fluorescent markers that formerly required a bulky, power-hungry ion laser.
Other applications include flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and emerging pharma applications, such as microwell and microarray readers.
