Pump laser：Types & Applications

Pump lasers are the "energy supply core" of laser systems. They inject light energy of a specific wavelength into gain media (such as erbium-doped fibers, solid-state crystals) to excite the media to produce stimulated radiation, and finally form a stable laser output. Their performance directly determines the power, efficiency and stability of laser systems.

1. Semiconductor Pump Lasers

Mainstream wavelengths are 980nm (dedicated to erbium-doped fiber amplifiers EDFA), 1480nm (adapted to high-power EDFA). Small size, high electro-optical conversion efficiency, and wide wavelength coverage. They're supporting continuous wave (CW) or pulse mode operation, suitable for most small and medium-sized laser systems.

Application Scenarios:

Optical communication field (EDFA, Raman amplifier pumping), industrial laser marking (metal/plastic surface marking), medical equipment (dental laser treatment, cosmetic laser), portable laser rangefinders.

2. Solid-State Pump Lasers

Using solid-state crystals (such as Nd:YAG, Yb:YAG) as gain media, with high output power, excellent beam quality  and strong anti-interference ability. It needs to be matched with a semiconductor laser as a secondary pump source, and inject energy into the solid crystal through optical coupling, suitable for high-power continuous or pulse laser output.

Application Scenarios:

Industrial laser cutting (thick metal plate cutting), laser welding (automotive parts welding), laser derusting (ship/bridge surface derusting), scientific research field (laser nuclear fusion experiment).

3. Fiber Pump Lasers

Using doped fibers (such as ytterbium-doped fibers, erbium-doped fibers) as gain media, combined with fiber coupling technology, the output beam can be transmitted through fibers with high flexibility. They're suitable for scenarios requiring long-distance or complex path energy transmission.

Application Scenarios:

Long-distance optical communication transmission (Raman amplifier pumping), precision laser engraving (PCB circuit board engraving), medical minimally invasive surgery (fiber laser scalpel), 3D metal printing (small part printing).

4. Gas Pump Lasers

Using gas (such as CO₂, He-Ne) as gain media, exciting energy through gas discharge,   with wide output wavelength coverage. The power range is large, but the size is large and the efficiency is low, suitable for scenarios with specific wavelength requirements.

Application Scenarios:

Industrial laser cutting (non-metallic materials such as acrylic, wood), laser marking (glass surface marking), scientific research field (spectral analysis, laser interferometry), medical field (dermatological CO₂ laser treatment).

Box Optronics provides semiconductor pump lasers (638nm~1064nm) and fiber pump lasers (980nm, 1450nm, 1480nm, etc.)