Blue Sky Research (Santa Cruz, CA) formed a partnership with Point Source Ltd. (Winchester, England) to coproduce a new line of fiber-coupled laser diodes. The FiberBrite devices were introduced at CLEO `97 (Baltimore, MD, in May).
FiberBrite integrates the Circu-Laser diodes fabricated by Blue Sky with fiber-coupling technology from Point Source. "We solved the laser-diode efficiency and wavefront problem, and they solved the fiber-coupling problem. It is a perfect combination of complementary technologies," says Robert Potenza of Blue Sky Research. "This doubles the power available from diodes from a fiber."
"FiberBrite laser-diode systems are revolutionary from our point of view," says Potenza. "They are an excellent HeNe laser replacement."
Pointer says the fiber-coupled laser will create its own market. Because single-mode fiber is a cold-light source, FiberBrite delivers a laser beam with perfect beam-pointing stability. Specific applications include reprographics, where the ability to control the exact position of the beam through the precision of a fiber is a benefit. Another benefit is the ability to directly modulate the laser diode.
Wavelength range and power available will depend on need and application. At 635 nm, fiber output powers from 3 to 12 mW are available; at 670 nm, from 3 to 18 mW. "We are offering a standard product line but this is partially a flag-waving exercise for the technology capability that exits between the two companies," says Pointer. The companies are already working with customers to determine their needs and produce a laser to fit their specific applications.