Brolis Semiconductors FL21000055AZ Room-Temperature Mid-Infrared Type-I Laser Diode

Overview

The Brolis Semiconductors FL21000055AZ is a continuous-wave (CW), room-temperature-operable mid-infrared (MIR) laser diode engineered for precision spectroscopic applications requiring stable, narrow-linewidth emission in the 2.1–3.75 µm spectral range. Unlike quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) or interband cascade lasers (ICLs), this device leverages Type-I optical transitions within a GaSb-based quantum-well heterostructure. In Type-I configuration, electron–hole recombination occurs across the effective bandgap of the quantum well—enabling high differential gain, low threshold current density, and exceptional wavelength reproducibility across wafers and production batches. The FL21000055AZ operates uncooled at ambient temperatures (20–25 °C), eliminating the need for thermoelectric coolers (TECs) or cryogenic infrastructure. Its monolithic semiconductor architecture supports direct electrical pumping with sub-1 V forward voltage drop—significantly reducing power dissipation and enabling compact, low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) system integration in portable gas analyzers, environmental monitoring platforms, and industrial process control instrumentation.

Key Features

• Type-I GaSb-based quantum-well active region for high optical gain and intrinsic wavelength stability
• Room-temperature CW operation without active cooling—validated from 20 °C to 30 °C ambient
• Low operating voltage (< 1.0 V at 500 mA drive current) and high wall-plug efficiency
• Single-transverse-mode Fabry–Perot cavity design ensuring spatial coherence and beam quality suitable for fiber coupling
• Emitter geometry optimized for thermal management: 2 mm cavity length × 4 µm stripe width
• Standard wavelengths include 2.1 µm, 2.73 µm, and tunable bands spanning 2.72–3.75 µm (pulsed operation available above 3.4 µm)
• Compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FL21000055AZ is designed for integration into optical gas sensing systems targeting fundamental vibrational absorption lines of industrially and environmentally relevant molecules—including CO, CO₂, CH₄, NO, N₂O, NH₃, H₂S, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Its emission bandwidth (typically < 2 nm FWHM in CW mode) aligns with high-resolution absorption spectroscopy techniques such as tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). Device packaging conforms to industry-standard TO-38 or butterfly-style hermetic housings with integrated thermistor and monitor photodiode options. All units undergo burn-in testing and are qualified per MIL-STD-750D Method 1027 for reliability under continuous DC bias. Documentation includes traceable calibration reports and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited test procedures where applicable.

Software & Data Management

While the FL21000055AZ is a standalone optoelectronic component, it is fully compatible with third-party laser driver and control platforms supporting analog modulation (0–5 V), TTL triggering, and temperature feedback loops. Brolis provides comprehensive driver interface specifications—including recommended current ramp rates (< 10 A/s), maximum reverse voltage limits (−2 V), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) handling guidelines (HBM Class 1B, per ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001). For system-level validation, users may integrate the diode into data acquisition frameworks compliant with IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for synchronized multi-channel TDLAS deployments. Firmware-agnostic log files generated during lifetime testing support GLP/GMP audit trails when paired with validated DAQ hardware meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.

Applications

• Industrial emissions monitoring (CEMS) for combustion exhaust streams
• Medical breath analysis systems targeting biomarkers such as acetone (1.72 µm), ethane (3.37 µm), and formaldehyde (3.56 µm)
• Security screening for explosive vapors (e.g., TNT, RDX) via MIR fingerprint spectroscopy
• Scientific research in ultrafast MIR pump-probe experiments using synchronized pulsed variants
• In-line pharmaceutical moisture content measurement via water’s strong 2.9 µm absorption band
• Free-space optical communications in atmospheric transmission windows (3–5 µm)

FAQ

What is the typical output power stability over 8 hours of continuous operation at room temperature?
Output power drift remains within ±3% (RMS) when driven at constant current with passive heatsinking, verified per IEC 61228 Annex B.
Can the FL21000055AZ be wavelength-tuned via temperature or current?
Yes—tuning coefficients are approximately 0.35 nm/°C (thermal) and 0.02 nm/mA (current); however, fine spectral control requires external cavity configurations or DFB variants.
Is this laser diode suitable for use in intrinsically safe (IS) hazardous area instrumentation?
When integrated with certified current-limiting drivers and encapsulated per ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Zone 1 requirements, yes—system-level certification is the responsibility of the end-equipment manufacturer.
Do you provide custom wavelength options outside the standard catalog?
Yes—custom epitaxial designs are available for wavelengths between 2.0 µm and 4.0 µm; lead time and minimum order quantities apply.
What is the maximum permissible peak pulse current for the 3.4–3.75 µm pulsed variant?
Peak current must not exceed 1.2 A for duty cycles ≤ 1%, with pulse width ≤ 100 ns, per reliability qualification report FL21000055AZ-RQ-2023-08.