semiconductor laser
Quick Summary
A semiconductor laser is a type of laser that emits light when an electric current passes through it. This occurs at the junction between two differently doped semiconductor materials, known as a p-n junction.1
How it Works
When a forward-biased current flows through the p-n junction, electrons are injected into the conduction band. These electrons eventually release energy equal to the material's energy gap. In certain semiconductor materials, like gallium arsenide, a significant portion of this energy is emitted as radiation, which can be light. The specific wavelength of the emitted light depends on the semiconductor compound used.21
Applications
Semiconductor lasers are widely used due to their compactness and reliability. They are essential components in technologies such as compact disc players and serve as light sources for long-distance optical fibre communication systems. They are also utilized in laser scanners for tasks like reading bar codes.3245
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