What is a Multi-Chip Module?
A Multi-Chip Module is one piece of laser diode equipment with multiple diode lasers connected through an integrated circuit to create a small and strong unit for emitting laser light. Multi-chip modules can be used by the military for defense purposes, by the aerospace industry, for medical purposes like surgery and cosmetic procedures, and in the free space optical communications industry. Multi-chip modules allow for smaller products because large, high power lasers take up more space than multiple small lasers together.
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SemiNex's Multi-Chip Module
The number of laser diodes in a SemiNex multi-chip module can vary from 3 to 7 lasers. A multi-chip module can have up to 25 watts of output power and as low as 10 watts, according to customer specification. Multi-chip modules are available standard in wavelengths of 1470nm, 1532nm, and 1550nm, but other wavelengths between 1300nm and 1600nm and be custom made for customers.
From the April 15, 2010 press release:
The multi-chip module provides a ready-to-integrate solution for laser applications that require 10 to 25 watts of power. The module features a power conversion efficiency of 30% watts/amp, reducing electrical and thermal system requirements.
It is configured with 3 to 7 diodes whose output is combined into a fiber bundle and is equipped with a 650 nm wavelength aiming beam. Other infrared wavelengths in the 1300 to 1600 nm range are available upon request.
Applications for the Multi-Chip Module
There are many applications for laser diodes in Multi-Chip modules. They are ideal for medical applications such as acne removal, skin wrinkle reduction, and skin ablation and can also be used in a range of professional laser applications like medical procedures and surgery, free-space communications, and range finding.
Free space optical communication is a technology which allows information to be transported between two points through light. SemiNex laser diodes are used in free space optical communication because wavelengths between 1300nm and 1600nm are invisible and have a low divergence (light does not "spread" as it travels).
Diode lasers are popular with the military for targeting. In the military, laser diodes are primarily used as laser target designators, which are used with precision-guided munitions to guide munitions. Because SemiNex's diode lasers are between 1300nm and 1600nm and that light is infrared, a SemiNex diode laser is favorable when directing munitions at live targets because light from an infrared laser diode cannot be seen by the human eye.
Laser diodes can also be used in temperature measuring. Devices can aim laser light at an object and measure the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object's surface. This is useful in situations where a contact-digital-thermometer would be dangerous or difficult to use, such as measuring the temperature of food on a grill or a car's engine.
Diode lasers can also be used for medical purposes. The treatment and reduction of acne and wrinkles are just two of the many ways laser diodes can be used medically. The SemiNex wavelengths can also help heal the sores caused by cutaneous leishmaniasis. Laser diodes can be used for non-invasive surgical procedures.
