Traditional broadband light sources such as ASE (amplified spontaneous emission) light sources assembled from discrete components tend towards a larger footprint and a lower reliability from build-quality complications.  ASE light sources are also inherently inefficient because it uses an indirect light generation process via a high-power laser pumping through an optical fiber circuitry.

In contrast, DenseLight’s chip-based high power SLED delivers a clean and broadband spectrum through direct quantum processes within the semiconductor device.  Such a chip-based solution delivers robustness, compactness and high E/O efficiency, qualities that are expected from a pure solid-state device.  Moreover, ASE sources are limited to C and L wavelengths while DenseLight’s SLED chips provides complete long-wavelength infrared range and is available in all O, E, S, C, & L bands via the chip design.

DenseLight’s VP Engineering (Light Wave Products) Dr Etsuji Omura said, "This order of magnitude increase in SLED output power can totally change the way broadband sources are used and deployed today.  In many application areas like test & measurements, fiber optic sensors, optical coherent tomography and communications, increased power can certainly extend the operating range of such systems.  But beyond that, it is DenseLight’s vision to excite and empower new applications in various industries. For example in biomedical, homeland security, environmental/industrial sensing, test & measurements, and communications, this powerful and now available broadband light source can fulfil the needs of many applications."

Bio-medical Imaging:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-contact medical imaging technique that is used to obtain high-resolution pictures of tissue structures using reflected short coherence light.  SLEDs are the ideal light source used in such medical imaging equipment.  Higher power SLEDs at long wavelengths (>1300nm) have been long awaited by OCT makers to allow deeper and higher resolution pictures into the human body, as well as providing fast scans for real-time video images.

In Homeland Security:

High-powered broadband light sources operating at the infrared wavelength can be used for remote sensing of hazardous organic droplets and gases.  More substances with greater accuracy can be detected if the light source is more powerful and capable of broader spectra.  Such installations can be very useful in detecting abnormal patterns of biochemical presence in crowded indoor/outdoor events.  On a broader front, it can be deployed in bio-surveillance programs to detect adverse health events and improve public safety. 

In Environmental and Industrial Sensing:

By offering both telemetry and multi-parameter sensing capabilities, fiber-optic sensing solutions can provide networked sensing intelligence to meet the stringent demands of many critical environmental and industrial concerns.

DenseLight’s high power SLEDs can increase the sensitivity and reach of fiber-optics sensors that detect pressure, strain and temperatures. In addition, both the power and wide wavelength range advantage allows many sensors on different wavelength channels to be multiplexed for multi-point/multi-parameter sensing through an optical fiber network; such as in distributed sensing of earthquakes, water levels, displacement of bridges and buildings, etc. 

In Communications:

For telecoms, high-powered SLEDs can provide the solution for wavelength-spliced broadband light source in wavelength division multiplex (WDM) passive optical networks (PON).  The wide operating wavelengths of SLEDs can open up the entire long-wavelength communication channels from O, E, S, C to L bands compared to the C or L band-limited ASE sources.  It can practically increase the broadcast capability of optical line terminals (OLT) and drive down the per channel costs to subscribers.

DenseLight is currently serving many global customers with both custom-built and catalog-standard SLEDs. The customers can choose from more than 90 catalog part-numbers in her comprehensive SLED portfolio, covering various wavelengths and packaging. The newly released high power 100mW class SLED joins the DenseLight SLED Product Family and carries the hallmark of Clean_Power parameters such as low spectral ripple, low coherency noise, with high E/O efficiency.  DenseLight’s Superluminescent LEDs are Telcordia qualified, achieving a high standard of reliability under harsh operating conditions.

“We are offering this high powered SLED product to our customers now. It is on our roadmap to release even higher powered SLEDs over the next several months, with an aim to reach 500mW SLEDs soon”, added Dr Omura.

About DenseLight Semiconductors:

DenseLight Semiconductors is a leading developer and manufacturer of Indium-Phosphide (InP) based active opto-electronic chips and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for telecom, datacom, defense, photonic sensing and instrumentation applications. 

The company’s Quantum-Well-Intermixing technology enables multiple optical function integration providing compact, low-cost, and high-performance optical component solutions for her customers.  The company provides total component solutions from design to volume manufacturing with fast response and flexibility.  In addition to Superluminescent LEDs, other major products from DenseLight include GPON transceivers, CWDM DFBs, access photonics and integrated modules to Empower Photonic Sensors & Photonic Access.

DenseLight Semiconductors is an ISO9001:2000 certified company and is headquartered in Singapore.

For enquiries from North America and Europe:

Sunil B. Phatak, Ph.D.
VP of Technical Marketing
Direct: +1 215 702-7561
Mobile: +1 267 994-2487
Email: phatak@denselight.com

For enquiries from the Rest of the World:

Chua Lye-Hing, Ph.D.
VP of Sales and Marketing
Direct: +65 6415-4432
Mobile: +65 9649-7515
Email: lhchua@denselight.com

For general information:
Email: info@denselight.com
Website: www.denselight.com

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