Diode Laser Basics

Based on a modular concept, all Laserline diode lasers consist of just a few basic components: The diode laser stacks, the optical components and a supply unit with control and operator panel. For our standard fiber-coupled lasers, the laser and optics are integrated into the supply unit and the laser radiation is delivered to the work piece via an optical fiber.

The modular concept of these units allows to perfectly adapt the diode laser to the specific requirements of the customer. It also simplifies maintenance and reduces the requirements for spare parts.

Beam Source

The beam source contains several diode laser stacks which are built of individual diodes arranged over one another – some of which have an output power of over 100 W. The number of stacks depends on the laser output power and the required beam quality. Using a straightforward, patented technology, the radiation of the single diodes is combined to form a single laser beam that is coupled into an optical fiber or provided with processing optics for direct applications. Options include a pilot laser and a mechanical shutter. Special wavelengths for i.e. pumping operations can be provided.

The modular structure of the laser head permits, in most cases, for the system to be retrofitted with further stacks at some point in the future in order to increase the power.

Control and Supply The compact, mobile supply unit controls and monitors the laser head and its peripheral equipment. All components needed to operate the diode laser, such as power supply, cooling unit and control are modular, easily replaceable components. The supply unit also contains the interfaces for the customer and the teleservice. Depending on laser power, type of laser and specific customer requirements, a range of supply units, which are made up of identical individual components, such as standard PLCs and cooling units, is available.

The mobility of the supply unit makes the design of the production line particularly flexible, even if several stations are used, as the diode laser can be moved and quickly replaced by another laser, if necessary.

A comprehensive system management based on monitoring more than 70 operating parameters ensures maximum availability also in multi-shift production. All operating components, from the laser head to the cooling system, are monitored continuously. A two-stage fault management system, providing warning and error messages, enables the plant operator to react quickly in the case of a fault.

Communication Interfaces Standard bus communication (Profibus, Interbus, Device Net, Ethernet) as well as analog and digital interfaces enable the diode laser to be integrated easily into external control systems. The control unit of the LDL, LDF and multi-laser series consists of an LCD display with touchscreen technology and further control elements.
		Polarization and wavelength coupling in a diode laser head
				Stack Management Laserline aims for maximum reliability in particular for the heart of each diode laser system, the individual laser diode. Very stringent criteria and specially developed test procedures, by far exceeding standard requirements, guarantee that only qualified laser diodes are used. Diode laser systems from Laserline operate for more than 30,000 hours, which is equivalent to 5 – 7 years of production, before diode laser elements may need replacing. Should, despite all precautions, a spontaneous failure of a diode laser occur, Laserline’s pioneer electronic stack management system steps into action. Based on the redundancy concept and automatic system adjustment, faults can be compensated within a few minutes.
Diode laser control components