Mitsubishi Electric's red laser diode for pico projectors offers industry-leading output power

TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has launched a 638-nanometer (nm) wavelength red laser diode (LD) offering an output power of 1W, the world's highest among 638 nm band LDs. The ML501P73 diode is ideal for pico projectors and other portable display systems that require a high-brightness red light source. Sample shipments will begin on November 18, 2010.

Pico projectors have drawn much attention because they can be embedded in or connected to mobile systems such as cellular phones and laptop computers. LDs are widely used as light sources for these projectors for their ability to project a wider range of colors compared to lamp-based projectors.

LDs deliver higher output while consuming less power than light emitting diodes (LEDs), extending battery life. LDs also enable focus-free operation because optical systems with great depth of field can be used with laser beams.

At high temperatures, the output power of red LDs with wavelengths shorter than 640 nm was not sufficient for high brightness projector applications. Mitsubishi Electric utilized its unique capabilities in applying window mirror structures and epitaxial growth technology to develop an industry-leading output power of 1W at a 638-nm lasing wavelength.