Blue lasers from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors are ideal for Micro-projectors

An optimized TO38 package makes the blue laser diode from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors the smallest in its class, bringing the world one step closer to a vision of tiny projectors that can be integrated into mobile devices such as cell phones and digital cameras. Lasers are the ideal choice as light sources for these micro-projectors which convert the mobile devices into high-performance multifunctional devices that can not only record images but also present them in razor sharp detail. Mobile devices currently available on the market can produce and download high-quality photos and video clips. Integrated laser projectors will enable these devices to project this content in high quality on almost any surface. Laser projection represents the next milestone in the development of mobile devices and has a promising future in terms of integrated projection modules. End-users will appreciate the extremely low power requirements and compact dimensions offered by laser-based projection units. Lasers also offer exceptionally vibrant colors, high contrast and always produce sharp images irrespective of the distance over which the images are projected. According to Dr. Thomas Höfer, Head of Laser Projection at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, “Our newly developed blue laser is the next step in our quest to enable miniaturized projectors that can be fully integrated in mobile devices.”OSRAM’s new blue laser diode has a wavelength of 450 nm, output of 50 mW and voltage of 5.5V. It has all the important attributes required for micro-projectors such as small size (3.2mm height), high efficiency (0.9W/A) and excellent blue light visibility. As a ridge laser it also has an outstanding beam quality and therefore, needs only relatively simple small optics to shape the beam. OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is also developing red and green lasers for laser projection. The red laser, like the blue laser, will be designed as a direct semiconductor laser while green lasers will be implemented using frequency doubling technique.