August 21, 2008, Tokyo – Sony Corporation today announced that it has developed a high-power, short-wavelength red semiconductor laser array diode, ideal for use as a light source in projection devices.

In order for red semiconductor laser array diodes to be used in projection devices, they are required to deliver high brightness, high efficiency and room temperature operation. This newly developed laser array diode achieves wavelength oscillation of 635nm to generate brightness levels 1.6 times conventional red semiconductor lasers.^*2

The laser array is composed of 25 broad stripe lasers, with the length of each laser bar 10mm. The laser bars are mounted on a copper heat sink block. Sony has achieved optimum uniformity within the laser active layer, high crystal purification levels, and high concentration of Magnesium doping within the AlInP cladding layer to realize low threshold currents and improved laser characteristics. By introducing new die bonding technologies for attaching the laser array and heat sink Sony has also enabled high levels of heat dissipation from the laser array. Furthermore, the accuracy of the laser bar mounting process has been improved to provide advanced coupling efficiency between the laser array and optical devices. As a result of these developments, this new red semiconductor laser array combines 635nm wavelength, 7.2W optical power, 23% energy conversion efficiency and operation within 25°C room temperature conditions. These heat dissipation and optical features enable it to be easily incorporated in the design of projection devices.

Sony will present these results at the 69th Autumn Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics to be held from September 2^nd – 5^th at Chubu University in Nagoya, Japan.

Features

1) 7.2W Optical Output
The laser array incorporates a 2.5cm heat sink, making it highly suitable for use as a projector light source.

2) 635nm Wavelength Bright Light Source
This laser achieves 1.6 times brightness compared to 645nm wavelength red semiconductor laser arrays.

3) 23% Energy Conversion Efficiency at 25°C
Low heat generation due to the laser array's high energy conversion efficiency means that only a small cooling system is required.