A superluminescence light emitting diode (SLED) is equivalent to a laser diode without a resonator, offering the brightness of a laser diode with the low coherence of LEDs via amplified spontaneous emission.
Similar to edge-emitting laser diodes, SLEDs have a p-n junction and are operated under forward bias. Unlike edge emitters, SLEDs do not have a resonator; thus a standing wave cannot form. Without sufficient feedback, SLEDs are unable to achieve lasing action instead relying on a high single pass optical amplification for spontaneous emissions.
Arima Lasers now offers SLEDs at 670 nm and 830 nm with an output power of up to 10 mW in 5.6 mm TO packages.
Fields of Application
These diodes are successfully used in optical low coherence tomography, fibre sensor technology, and illumination for medical applications.
