Superluminescent Lasers

Superluminescent laser diodes (SLED or SLD, also sometimes called superluminescence diodes or Superluminescent light-emitting diodes = Superluminescent LEDs) are optoelectronic semiconductor devices that emit broadband optical radiation (broadband light) based on superluminescence. In terms of construction, they are similar to laser diodes, containing an electrically driven p–n junction and an optical waveguide. Importantly, however, SLDs lack optical feedback by reflections, so that no laser action can occur.

Our SLED products are perfect for many applications, including Telecom Test Equipment, Optical Component Testing, Medical Optical Coherence Tomography, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors, Optical Sensing, Coherent Communication, Polarization Testing, White Light Interferometry, Industrial Optical Coherence Tomography, Spectroscopy, Biomedical Imaging Systems, Metrology, Fiber Optic Gyroscopes, and Holography.

For example, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution and deeply penetrating 3D imaging method. Luxmux’s broadband light sources are suitable for both spectral domain and swept source OCT. Customers will see an increased axial resolution with our broadband, tunable light sources. Luxmux SLEDs provide superior performance for Time-Domain (TD) OCT systems, which require SLEDs with a strong spectral shape and optical coherence for sidelobe suppression.

Let Us Help

In conclusion, if you have any questions, or if you would like some assistance please contact us here. Furthermore, you can call us at 636.272.7227 to talk to a knowledgeable Product Manager. Alternatively, use the filters on this page, or check out our ‘How to Select a Laser Diode‘ page to assist in narrowing down the selection. Finally, head to our Knowledge Center with our Lasers 101 page and Blogs and Whitepapers pages for further, in-depth reading.

Suggested reading:

• “Low Degree of Polarization Broadband Source for Test & Measurement“