A prototype of a high-power, 532-nm-wavelength compact green laser module developed by QD Laser Inc. and partners was on display last week at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco. The device, created in collaboration with the Institute for Nano Quantum Information Electronics, the University of Tokyo and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., has confirmed green light output greater than 100 mW under continuous wave conditions and high-speed modulation of more than 100 MHz. In addition, they obtained linewidth High-power green lasers have attracted attention in fields that include life sciences, and biomedical and industrial applications. Unlike near-infrared lasers for optical communications and red and blue lasers for optical storage, semiconductor lasers provide limited output characteristics at green wavelengths. Therefore, for applications that require high output power at wavelengths around 530 nm, diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers normally are used. In these applications, it is imperative to have improved wavelength stability and high-speed modulation capability as well as low power consumption and compact size. Fujitsu Laboratories, the University of Tokyo and QD Laser used their collective core proprietary technologies of semiconductor crystal growth, precise grating fabrication and device design technology to develop 1064-nm high-power single-mode lasers optimized for wavelength conversion. The green laser is suitable for a range of applications, including those with fluorescence microscopes or spectral analysis in life sciences or biomedical applications, and precise measurements or nondestructive inspections in industry applications. It also is expected to apply to future ultracompact projectors for consumer electronics applications. QD Laser has begun shipping samples of QLD0593-P05, a module with 5 mW of output power, and plans to ship samples of QLD0593-P50 in April. Mass production will commence in the fourth quarter of 2012. QD Laser provides semiconductor laser solutions for the telecom, data communications, consumer electronics and industrial markets. For more information, visit: www.qdlaser.com