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Light sources for color projectors, conventionally lamps, are being replaced with solid-state light sources offering higher energy efficiency, higher color reproduction and longer life. LDs deliver high output power while consuming low power because of their high power-conversion efficiency.

Previously, the output power of red LDs with wavelengths shorter than 640 nm was not sufficient for high-brightness projector applications at high temperatures. As a first step to overcome this limitation, Mitsubishi Electric applied specialized window-mirror structures and epitaxial growth technology to develop an LD capable of 0.5 W power output at continuous-wave operation, which is packaged in a 5.6-mm-diameter transistor-outline can (TO-can). Thereafter, it applied a new LD structure in a 9.0-mm TO-can package to achieve industry-leading output power of 1.8 W at a 638-nm lasing wavelength, which meets demands for bright projector systems.

Features

1)	Highest recorded output power of 1.8 W at 638 nm at continuous wave operation due to improved LD structure - Achieves high output power in this package size due to the optimization of its layer structure and emitting-region size - Continuous wave output power of 1.8 W, currently the world's highest in the 638-nm band - Luminosity as a red light source exceeds 220 lumens due to lasing at short wavelength - Industry-leading electrical conversion efficiency of 38% at 1.8 W at 25 degrees Celsius, helping to reduce power consumption
2)	Wide operational temperature range thanks to new package - Good heat dissipation due to use of a large TO-can package with diameter of 9.0 mm - Emits 1.8 W at continuous wave operation within an operating range of 0 to +45 degrees Celsius - Emits 1.3 W at continuous wave operation above 55 degrees Celsius

Future Development
Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric plans to enhance its new LD's high-power, low-consumption characteristics, aiming at a commercial launch in the fiscal year ending in March 2016, at which time laser light sources for projectors are expected to take off.