Superluminescent Diodes: Versatile Broadband Light Sources

01 Nov 2024

LASER COMPONENTS is pleased to offer a wide variety of Superluminescent Diodes (SLDs) from INPHENIX to suit any application.  SLDs are optoelectronic semiconductor devices that emit broadband light through amplified spontaneous emission.  Unlike traditional laser diodes, SLDs intentionally suppress optical feedback, resulting in a broad optical spectrum with high spatial coherence, intense light output, and low temporal coherence.  There are many applications for these devices where they enable cutting edge performance.

In optical coherence tomography (OCT), SLDs enable high-resolution diagnostic imaging.  Their near-infrared emission characteristics facilitate deep tissue penetration, providing micrometre-scale resolution in critical medical disciplines.  Ophthalmological and interventional cardiology applications leverage SLDs' spectral properties to generate detailed imaging.

White light interferometry is another area where SLDs demonstrate exceptional performance as they enable precision surface profiling through broadband optical interference techniques.

In fibre-optic communication systems, SLDs serve as critical component technologies.  Their broad spectral characteristics make them ideal for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) passive optical networks.  Key functionalities include link performance testing, chromatic dispersion measurement, and providing stable, wide-bandwidth seed light sources for complex communication infrastructures.

Remote sensing applications can also make use of SLDs' optical properties for comprehensive environmental monitoring.  With the right setup, they can allow for precise measurements of temperature, strain, pressure, and even voltage (using Kerr nonlinearity measurements in single mode fibre) across challenging operational environments.

Further information https://www.lasercomponents.com/uk/product/super-luminescence-diodes/