Kinds of Semi-Conductor Lasers

As you may have noticed from reading this blog, there are so many different kinds of lasers that can be used for various things. Some kinds can be used for the same things as some others. Semi-conductor lasers are also used for some things that other lasers are also used for. However, this does not mean that they are not useful. Each kind of laser is valuable depending on the specific application, even if the general application is the same as another. Here is a list of some semi-conductor lasers and their uses:

• Semiconductor laser diode- used for telecommunications, printing, holography, machining, weapons, welding, and pumping from other lasers.
• Gallium nitride lasers- used for reading optical discs (playstation).
• Aluminium gallium arsenide lasers- used for laser pointers, optical discs, data communications, CD player. Most common kind of laser.
• Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers- used in telecommunications.
  
• Quantum cascade lasers- used in research but may be used for things like collision-avoidance radar, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics.
  
• Hybrid silicon lasers- currently used for research.

As you are can see, semi-conductor lasers are heavily used in the world today. Laser pointers are being sold to anyone and are a very common widget to sell for uses in business and personal demonstration.