23 Aug 2006 Our new APC laser diodes are probably the smallest cw laser diode modules in the world. They are well suited as an alternative to the normal laser diodes in laser pointers, pilot lasers, measuring instruments, light barriers, and barcode readers. APC stands for "Automatic Power Control." The automatic power control is already integrated into the TO housing. The driver is located on an ASIC, which is built into the 3.3 mm or 5.6 mm housing on a chip together with the monitor photodiode. A power supply of 3.0 to 6.0 volts is necessary to activate the red-emitting laser diode. The advantages are obvious:
- Small design
- Easy to handle
- Robust against ESD damages
- Inexpensive no external drive electronics have to be connected
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