BluGlass shows feasible reliability of GaN laser diodes
Lasers have passed 500 hours of continuous operation with stable optical and electrical performance
Semiconductor developer BluGlass has announced that its GaN laser diodes have achieved feasible reliability, successfully demonstrating more than 500 hours of continuous operation with stable optical power and voltage in reliability testing.
BluGlass’ lasers maintained good performance and light-output during testing at 20-25°C, demonstrating light- output with less than 20 percent degradation - a key commercial standard for laser diodes. Reliability testing of these lasers is ongoing.
Reliability feasibility is a critical prerequisite milestone for beta production and commercial product launches. These performance metrics enable BluGlass to increase its engagement with potential customers awaiting alpha and beta products, and indicate the design is ready for increased volume.
Improvements in reliability are directly attributable to enhanced metals, facets, and bonds, completed by BluGlass’ contract manufacturers. Newer iterations with further improvements to the four key components of laser diodes are currently progressing through BluGlass’ supply chain, and the company is working to increase manufacturing quality and yields with its Silicon Valley production facility and team.
BluGlass President Jim Haden said: “Demonstrating reliable laser diodes is a significant milestone, reflecting the suitability of our lasers for use in a vast number of applications. Commercial reliability is not a one-size fits all approach, varying greatly depending on the application.
"At one end of the spectrum, we have single-use applications such as pyrotechnics, which require one-shot reliability and good ‘shelf-life.’ At the other end of the spectrum are very sophisticated space-based and industrial applications, which often require reliability of more than 10,000 hours and even years of operation. Many applications, including medical and scientific applications, require less than 1,000 hours’ reliability.
“Reliability testing is ongoing and with our recent achievements and progress, we are moving toward a fixed beta design. This reliability milestone also enables us to increase our engagement with customers who are eagerly awaiting products to meet unmet market needs.
He concluded: “Encouragingly, we have achieved these results with older iterations made by our contract manufacturers. We expect current iterations featuring new epitaxy designs and enhanced processing through our Silicon Valley fab will demonstrate improved yield, reliability, and performance as we continue to refine our laser diodes ahead of product launches.”
