Operation of a pulsed Semiconductor Laser

The key element of the laser transmitter is a small semicondutor laser, also known as diode laser or injection laser. The semiconductor laser converts electrical energy (a current pulse) into optical energy (the optical pulse) over a wide temperature range with high efficiency and high reliability. The laser itself consists of a small cube of semiconductor material (dimensions approx. 1 x 0.3 x 0.3 mm) with two of the faces cleaved so that they are flat and parallel thus forming the two mirrors of the laser cavity. The light generation process takes place in the very narrow active region, i.e. a pn-junction, with a thickness of less than 1 µm.

The divergent laser radiation emitted by the partly reflecting face of the semiconductor crystal is collected by a collimating lens which forms a very narrow laser beam ideally suited for optical range finding.

Information contained herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by RIEGL for its use. Technical data are subject to change without notice.

RIEGL General Information GI003 (10/94)

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Last updated 05/23/02