Panasonic: High power blue laser light source: DDL wavelength synthesis (WBC)
Panasonic:
Panasonic has succeeded in demonstrating the world’s highest output with high beam quality [2] using the direct diode laser (DDL) wavelength synthesis technology (WBC) [1] in the development of a high-power blue laser light source.
DDL wavelength synthesis technology (WBC):
It is possible to increase the number of laser light sources and increase the output while maintaining the beam quality.
Compared with the conventional blue laser system, the laser intensity is higher by two digits.
This technology contributes to the realization of the automotive industry / fine processes.
Automotive industry: realization of fine processes
In recent years, in the automotive industry, expectations for “laser processing that can realize a fine process” using various materials such as copper, gold, and resin are increasing.
In particular, there is a strong demand for blue laser light sources with high light absorption efficiency in copper processing of motors and batteries for electric vehicles.
Terra Diodes, U.S.A .: Cooperation started
To achieve highly productive processing, a light source that combines high output and high beam quality is required.
To realize this light source, we have been collaborating with Terra Diode Corporation in the United States since 2013.
High power / high beam quality: development of light source
By using WBC technology, we have developed a technology that “superimposes multiple laser beams with different wavelengths onto one beam.”
In 2014, we launched the world’s first laser welding robot system, “LAPRISS” * 1 equipped with infrared wavelength DDL using this WBC technology * 1.
In 2017, we made TDI a wholly owned subsidiary * 2, and have been working on further increasing the output and shortening the wavelength of WBC technology.
High beam quality blue laser: high output
This time, “High output of high beam quality blue laser (wavelength band = 400 to 450 nm)” is “to combine beams of 100 or more emitters formed in multiple bar lasers [3] by WBC technology. That was achieved.
With this WBC technology,
With a partially transmitting mirror common to all beams
Resonate between each emitter end face
Combine into one beam.
Evaluation of development:
As a result, the beam emitted from the partially transmitting mirror achieves a high output of 135 W with a high beam quality of 1.5 mm · mrad in BPP [4].
In the future, we will develop a processing system equipped with this light source and promote optimization of the laser processing process.
The results were announced and exhibited at PHOTONICS WEST 2020 in San Francisco February 1-6.
Press Release | Panasonic Newsroom Japan
https://news.panasonic.com/jp/press/data/2020/01/jn200129-1/jn200129-1.html