VCSEL

LASER COMPONENTS

Single-mode VCSELs for Interferometric Applications

An alternative application that, until now, could only be served by an HeNe laser.

850 nm VCSEL

Due to its coherence length, a single-mode VCSEL can be used in applications (for interferometric measurements and as a reference beam inside spectrometers) that, until now, could only be served by an HeNe laser. The advantages of using these VCSELs include the price, miniaturization, longer life expectancy, reduced power consumption, and a minimized thermal influence on the measurement system.

Due to the line width (delta f = 100 MHz) the coherence lengths (delta L) can be approximated to 1.5 m.

Delta L = 0.5 * c / delta f

c = speed of light

The model of a quasi monochromatic light source is used for this calculation (Haferkorn, Optik, S.99). Back reflections into the laser should be prevented and the power supply should be noise free as both of these effects increase the line width of the laser!

Manufacturer information

Contact

Contact person:    Stuart Nunn
Company:    LASER COMPONENTS (UK) Ltd.
Street:    Goldlay House 114 Parkway
ZIP / City:    CM2 7PR Chelmsford Essex
Telephone:    +44 1245 491499
Fax:    +44 1245 491801
Email:    snunn@lasercomponents.co.uk
 
© 2012 LASER COMPONENTS  -  25.05.2012
Laser Components (UK) Ltd., Goldlay House, 114 Parkway, Chelmsford Essex CM2 7PR, United Kingdom
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