We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electronics

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Green Diode Lasers?

By Alex Newth
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,149
Share

Green diode lasers are laser diodes that use semiconductors, similar to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), made mostly from indium. These lasers produce green light that is between 520 nanometers and 540 nm. They are used in laser pointers, for both presentations and surveying, and in laser movie projectors. Unlike red diode lasers, which also are commonly used in laser pointers, green lasers have less spread, so they are able to project farther with low-power systems and are better for use in sunlight.

When diode lasers were first made, red was the only color available. Then blue came around and, almost 15 years later, green diode lasers were created. Green diodes use a complicated set of semiconductors that must be made with materials that do not alloy well together, causing complications in development. The primary ingredient in green laser diodes is indium, a rare post-transition metal. The other primary ingredient, gallium nitride, diffuses green light, making it difficult to create green lasers. To create green laser light, these diodes must produce light that is from 520nm to 540nm.

While green diode lasers are one of the newest laser diodes, it is used in many applications, primarily laser pointers and projectors. These laser pointers are used by business people during presentations and teachers during class to bring attention to certain aspects on a board or projected presentation. Land-surveying personnel use more powerful laser pointers to survey the land. Laser projectors, used to project movies, make use of green diodes to create a fuller range of color.

Red lasers were commonly used for early laser pointers, but green offers several advantages that red lasers are unable to mimic without using substantially more power. Green diode lasers have a much thinner spread, so more power is focused in the main laser, rather than having a large amount of dispersed light, as with red lasers. This means green lasers can reach farther, even if the laser system is using less power. Green lasers also are useful in sunlight, because the laser is easily visible.

Some green lasers are not true green diode lasers. Instead, they are created using a complex set of components that are able to manipulate the wavelength of a laser and turn it into a green laser. For example, if an infrared laser is used and a nonlinear crystal is used to increase the frequency but lower the wavelength, the infrared laser can become a green one, though it is not a true green diode laser.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-are-green-diode-lasers.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.