Author: the photonics expert Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta (RP)
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???? For purchasing, use the RP Photonics Buyer's Guide for lasers. It provides an expert-curated supplier directory, buyer-focused technical background information, and structured selection criteria to support professional procurement decisions.For commercially sold lasers and laser systems, it is common to have a set of laser specifications, i.e., descriptions of their properties with some precision, as far as these are relevant for the users. (Internal details, which do not directly affect the user, are usually not specified.) Such specifications (in short: specs) are made by suppliers of lasers (usually by the manufacturers), but also a buyer will usually write down the required specifications for his application before selecting a laser model. Most aspects of this article apply both to certain laser components and to complete laser systems.
Laser specifications are important for different purposes, and are written by different players:
For most purposes, it is important that laser specifications are clear and precise, well understandable for all involved parties, and complete. In practice, specifications are often deficient concerning one or several of these aspects because insufficient know-how and experience was available for writing them, or the task was carried out with insufficient diligence. Such deficiencies can cause substantial technical and other problems. For example, incomplete specifications may make the selection of a laser complicated, create uncertainties for the application of a system, raise unrealistic expectations, or cause errors in the integration of laser products into other machinery. In cases of conflict, parties may insist on incompatible interpretations of unclear specifications or of the consequences of deviations, and this can contribute to expensive, time-consuming and risky legal conflicts.
Because such problems can be severe, a high degree of diligence is recommended
However, certain important aspects are easily overlooked, particularly when no substantial experience with the type of devices or their application is available. For example, a user may not be aware of certain typical problems and limitations of certain laser types, while a manufacturer may not be aware of certain critical issues for an application.
Specifications can address very different aspects, such as performance figures, device lifetime, required ambient conditions, and other properties such as dimensions, weight and mounting details.
It is normally of central importance for the buyer of a laser system that certain performance figures are reached. What performance figures exactly are relevant, depends both on the details of the system and its application. Some typically important specifications concern the following aspects:
Often, specifications are valid only after a certain warm-up time after switching on a laser system.
Although this list contains all the typically relevant aspects, many additional aspects may also be relevant, depending on details of the laser system and the application.
It is common to define a laser safety class for a laser source, even though the safety class for the system into which the laser is integrated may be completely different. If the output power exceeds a certain limit (depending on the wavelength) and the laser beam is accessible, the system will normally be in class IV (the most safety-critical one). If such a laser is put into a fully enclosed housing, with interlocks etc., the system may be in class I, where it can be considered as very safe.
Lasers, as other devices, have only a limited lifetime. The guaranteed lifetime may be specified as a certain number of years or via some number of operation hours, or possible both combined. It is normally understood as the time during which the laser fulfills all the performance specifications. A lifetime guarantee is often subject to additional conditions to be fulfilled by the user: Certain ambient conditions need to be ensured (see below), and regular servicing may be required.
Note that quite different interpretations of device lifetimes are possible. A strict interpretation would be that a laser system has to stay within specifications for the whole lifetime without any unplanned intervention. For a fiber amplifier, which is integrated into an undersea cable, this is very reasonable, since it is hardly possible to perform any service operations after deployment. For industrial lasers, however, occasional repairs may be tolerated, if they are not so frequent and/or time-consuming that they severely disturb the intended application. A rather lax interpretation of lifetime guarantee would be that the supplier can make as many repairs as required for reaching an overall long enough time of operation, and resulting interruptions and delays are not considered as problematic.
Laser systems are often relatively sensitive to ambient conditions. Some typical aspects are shortly discussed in the following:
Various other properties of a laser system can be relevant, for example:
Of course, not all details may be given in some specification sheet; they may be provided only to those customers who ask for them.
Many specifications which may look fairly clear at first glance can nevertheless be quite deficient. A few examples demonstrate that:
Further problems or inconvenience can result from uncommon acronyms or units.
Laser specifications are often not interpreted as strictly guaranteed values. What level of strictness is applied, depends substantially on the field of application:
Another aspect is whether a laser device is a prototype, a mass product or even a production machine. A prototype nature may be assumed when a laser has been made to certain specifications for the first time and the user is aware of this; a laser may even be ordered explicitly for evaluation purposes. To a certain degree, deviations from specifications may not be considered as complete failures. On the other hand, from a standard industrial laser for use as a production machine one has to expect a high reliability including to fairly strict adherence to specifications.
In cases where adherence to specifications is crucial, a laser system will normally be delivered together with a comprehensive and clearly written measurement protocol, demonstrating that all relevant aspects have been checked on the concrete delivered device. However, many manufacturers appear not to apply such systematic procedures, do not deliver such measurement protocols, and indeed might not check all aspects with measurements before deployment. Deviations from specifications may then be noticed only after installation, or possible even at a later time when the user, having experienced certain problems, undertakes more detailed measurements.
It is important to understand whether certain deviations from specifications are considered as complete failure of the system (implying a right for a complete replacement or for not paying the invoice) or only as a reason for repair by the manufacturer. For some critical laser applications, the user can expect that the device is only delivered after careful checks by the manufacturer, and that it will with a high probability remain within specifications for the guaranteed lifetime — without additional checks and unplanned repairs. In many cases, however, a manufacturer feels obliged only to do appropriate repairs upon discovery of problems by the user. This may lead to situations where the application of the laser is severely disturbed by unplanned repairs and corresponding delays, possibly also by extended periods of operation outside the specs due to not recognized problems, and to resulting quality issues in the production.
For such reasons, it is important to create a common understanding between supplier and user before purchase according to how deviations from specifications are handled. Note that even specifications with very precise definitions of measured parameters may totally leave open such important aspects.
This FAQ section was generated with AI based on the article content and has been reviewed by the article’s author (RP).
Laser specifications are precise descriptions of a laser's properties, particularly its performance figures, lifetime, and required operating conditions. They are provided by manufacturers and used by buyers to select a suitable product for their application.
They are crucial for selecting the right laser, ensuring its proper application, and avoiding technical problems or conflicts between the supplier and user. Vague specifications can lead to unrealistic expectations, integration errors, and legal disputes.
Typical performance specifications include optical output power, beam radius and beam quality (M2 factor), polarization, and wavelength. For pulsed lasers, pulse energy, duration, and pulse repetition rate are also essential.
A lifetime specification states the time, often in operating hours or years, during which the laser is guaranteed to meet all its performance specifications. This guarantee may depend on maintaining specified ambient conditions and performing regular servicing.
A specification like 'Output power stability: ±1%' is vague because it does not define the measurement time or bandwidth. Similarly, 'Beam profile: TEM00' is imprecise; a quantitative limit for the M2 factor would be better.
Lasers are often sensitive to ambient conditions. Specifications may define required limits for temperature, air cleanliness, and humidity, and requirements for a cooling unit. Deviations can degrade performance or even cause damage.
No, the level of strictness depends on the application. It is very high in fields like optical fiber communications or for medical lasers, but can be more relaxed for scientific lasers, where users may perform minor adjustments themselves.
Sponsored content: The RP Photonics Buyer's Guide contains 251 suppliers for lasers. Among them:
⚙ hardwareRPMC Lasers offers the widest selection of solid-state lasers in North America. From ≈ standard products to full customization capabilities, we are sure to have what you need: pulsed and CW sources ranging in wavelength from the UV through the LWIR regimes. Pulsed lasers include DPSS lasers, fiber lasers, microlasers/microchip Lasers, ultrafast lasers, and more. Additionally, CW laser modules including single-mode and multimode DPSS laser and laser diode modules are available in both fiber-coupled and free space configurations, as well as gas and fiber lasers, line modules, and many laser diode types, including superluminescent laser diodes, multi-wavelength lasers, and quantum cascade laser diodes. Let RPMC help you find the right laser today!
⚙ hardwareSacher Lasertechnik offers a wide range of diode lasers for scientific and industrial applications, covering a wide range of emission wavelengths and output powers. Apart from DFB and DBR lasers, Fabry–Pérot and tapered amplifier diodes, we offer quantum cascade lasers and terahertz emitters.
⚙ hardwareGWU-Lasertechnik has more than 30 years of experience in lasers and nonlinear optics. We are the pioneer of commercial BBO OPO technology. Our widely tunable laser sources cover the spectral range from the deep-UV at < 190 nm to the IR at > nm. We offer pulsed solutions for nano-, pico- and femtosecond pulses with best performance and highest reliability.
⚙ hardwareBright Solutions offers various types of lasers:
Osela offers a comprehensive range of laser solutions spanning multiple wavelengths, power levels, and beam characteristics. Our diverse portfolio includes UV, red, green, blue, and near-infrared lasers, as well as more unique solutions for complex applications. These lasers incorporate Osela's cutting-edge beam shaping technology, enabling precise control over beam profiles from uniform line, multi-line, structured patterns, True Gaussian, and uniform top-hat distributions. Whether you require a standard off-the-shelf product or a customized solution, our lasers deliver the performance, reliability, and flexibility needed for advanced machine vision, life sciences research, and industrial measurement applications. With options for CW and pulsed operation, variable focus, and modulation capabilities, Osela's lasers provide the versatility to address a wide spectrum of illumination and imaging challenges across multiple industries.
Related products: STREAMLINE LASER | COMPACT LASER | INDUSTRIAL LASER SYSTEM | FIRELINE LASER | TELECENTRIC LASER PROJECTOR | MULTI-LINE PATTERN
⚙ hardwareAt FYLA, we specialize in ultrafast fiber lasers delivering picosecond and femtosecond pulse durations, as well as high‑performance supercontinuum laser sources. Designed for demanding photonics applications, including microscopy, optical characterization, and advanced imaging. Our lasers combine exceptional robustness, long operational lifetimes, and cost‑effective performance.
⚙ hardwareAlpes Lasers offers a wide range of lasers with wavelengths ranging from 4 to 14 μm and powers up to several watts. This includes FP, DFB, THz, frequency comb and external cavity lasers in the mid-IR. Additionally, Alpes offers uniquely fast and widely tuneable lasers with our ET and XT product line.
⚙ hardware???? metrology, calibration, testingThe SLIM LINER — a high spectral purity laser source — is a single-frequency, ultra-narrow linewidth laser that is based on a Self-Adaptive Photonic Oscillator (SAPO) technology developed by the Institut Foton at Université de Rennes in France. A pump laser is optically locked onto a cavity using stimulated Brillouin scattering that offers an extremely narrow gain bandwidth, naturally favoring a high spectral purity, with a frequency noise as low as 0. Hz²/Hz at 200 kHz Fourier frequency.
⚙ hardwareOptogama develops compact, diode-pumped solid-state lasers tailored for eye-safe, industrial, and scientific applications. Our laser product line includes:
KAUKAS Series — eye-safe 1.54 μm passively Q-switched nanosecond lasers delivering up to 3 mJ per pulse with < 11 ns durations and TEM₀₀ beam profiles. Designed in compact OEM configurations.
KAUKAS HR — high-repetition-rate lasers providing > 30 µJ per pulse at up to 1 kHz, ideal for LIDAR and fast-scanning systems.
KAUKAS CW — CW laser models offering up to 400 mW of power across six wavelengths in the 1.5–1.6 μm range.
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WAVEGUARD Series — Compact passively Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers with sub-nanosecond pulses and peak powers in the tens of kilowatts. Harmonics modules for 532 nm, 355 nm available on request.
All lasers are built for reliability, precision, and seamless integration into OEM platforms.
⚙ hardwareRadiantis manufacturers broadly tunable laser systems based on Optical Parametric Oscillators (OPOs). Femtosecond, picosecond and continuous-wave (CW) lasers are available that cover the visible and IR spectral regimes. The laser systems include both a pump laser and the OPO in the same enclosure.
Customised devices for specific wavelengths or pulse duration can be developed.
⚙ hardwareQPC Lasers manufactures fiber-coupled diode laser modules with the highest powers and brightness in the industry at wavelengths ranging from 780 to nm.
Products range from sub-watt single-mode PM fiber coupled diodes for LIDAR and communications to multi-mode fiber-coupled modules with outputs in the hundreds of watts for medical, materials processing and pumping applications. Optional features include Brightlock monolithically spectrally stabilized diodes for unmatched linewidth and spectral control.
⚙ hardwareTOPTICA's products provide an ultra-broad laser wavelength coverage: 190 nm – 0.1 THz (corresponding to 3 mm). They enable a big variety of demanding applications in quantum optics, spectroscopy, biophotonics, microscopy, test & measurement, as well as materials inspection. The unique wavelength range is based on three major product categories:
TOPTICA´s Ultra-stable clock laser systems for quantum computing and optical clocks are diode lasers whose linewidth is reduced to less than 1 Hz via frequency stabilization to high-finesse optical ULE cavities.
⚙ hardwareMode-Locked Technology offers various types of laser sources:
The Stuttgart Instruments Alpha is an ultrafast and fully wavelength-tunable frequency conversion system in an ultra-compact and completely passively stable system based on revolutionary parametric oscillator design which guarantees outstanding stability, reproducibility and shot-noise limited performance.
The revolutionary design of Stuttgart Instruments Alpha, characterized by outstanding low noise and passive long-term stability, is based on the fiber-feedback optical parametric oscillator (FFOPO) technology and results in outstanding performance and high flexibility at the same time.
The Alpha covers a gap-free rapid tunable spectral range from 700 nm to 20 µm wavelengths, while maintaining high output power up to the Watt-level with femto- or picosecond pulses at several MHz pulse repetition rates. It provides multiple simultaneously tunable outputs with a selectable bandwidth from a few to 100 cm-1. Shot-noise limited performance above 300 kHz, passive spectral stability (< 0.02% rms) and wavelength-independent stable beam pointing (< 30 µrad) enable excellent sensitivity. In addition, each Alpha is equipped with a user-friendly ethernet and Wi-Fi interface and a matching graphical user interface (GUI) as well as easy to access API interfaces for e.g. LabView, Python, C++.
Typically, the Alpha is pumped by an ultra-low-noise Primus pump laser, which provides more than 8 W average output power at nm wavelength and 450 fs pulse duration at 42 MHz repetition rate. In addition, the Alpha can be operated with other pump lasers around 1 µm wavelength and enough power.
Due to our modular platform, the Alpha can be adapted and optimized for various applications and is particularly suited for spectroscopic applications requiring a robust and reliable tunable radiation with low noise.
⚙ hardwareHÜBNER Photonics specializes in providing a comprehensive selection of high-performance lasers, tailored to meet diverse application needs. Our product range includes:
Each laser is meticulously assembled in a clean room environment by highly skilled technicians, ensuring top-quality output and reliability.
For more detailed information on our laser products and specifications, please visit our website.
⚙ hardwareThorlabs manufactures an extensive selection of CW and pulsed laser systems. Our selection includes single-frequency and tunable lasers with wavelengths spanning the visible through the mid-IR. Options range from individual laser diodes to complete laser solutions such as fiber-coupled lasers, HeNe lasers, nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers, and femtosecond lasers.
⚙ hardwareClass 5 Photonics delivers ultrafast, high-power laser technology at outstanding performance to advance demanding applications from bio-imaging to ultrafast material science and attosecond science. Our robust optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers (OPCPA) provide high-power, tunable femtosecond pulses and user-friendly operation.
⚙ hardwareInnolume provides a range of high-performance laser diodes based on GaAs quantum well and quantum dot active regions for emission wavelengths ranging from 780 nm to nm.
Single-mode applications can be served using distributed feedback (DFB), fiber Bragg grating (FBG), and Fabry–Pérot (FP) lasers in BTF packages.
For pulsed single-mode operations, Innolume offers FP and DFB laser solutions with peak powers up to mW.
High-power, broad-area laser sources with up to 15 W of output power are available for multimode applications on C- and submount platforms.
⚙ hardwareLumics is a vertically integrated manufacturer producing high-quality laser diodes, with in-house chip production and integration into various single emitter packages and designs. Lumics offerings include pigtailed single-mode and multi-mode packages, covering a broad wavelength and power range, designed for different fiber core sizes. Lumics' high-power multi-mode diode laser modules span wavelengths from 670 nm to nm, supporting multi-wavelength configurations, ideal for applications in medical, life science, analytics, material processing, pumping, seeding, and printing. All diodes feature patented facet technology, ensuring exceptional lifetimes and reliability.
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Software: For various areas in laser technologies, RP Photonics also offers powerful simulation software, such as RP Fiber Power for simulating fiber amplifiers and lasers.
Consulting: Benefit from the great expertise of paschotta.
⚙ hardwareNKT Photonics is at the forefront of optical fiber and laser technology. Expect exceptional performance when you want to push forward and move the definition of what’s possible. We offer a wide range of lasers spanning from pulsed diode lasers and single-frequency fiber lasers over ultrafast fiber lasers and femtosecond lasers to supercontinuum white light lasers. Whatever your laser needs, we have a system for you!
⚙ hardwareMegaWatt Lasers Inc. spezializes on lamp-pumped pulsed lasers for a wide range of applications. Our pump chamber designs provide unsurpassed performance, reliability and leak integrity to meet the demanding needs of your laser system design. Our lasers produce multi-joule nanosecond pulses at eye-safe wavelength, e.g. based on Er:YAG or CTH:YAG rods. We also offer Nd:YAG and alexandrite lasers.
We maintain an inventory of standard pump chambers for immediate delivery, while modular design allows for cost effective custom solutions.
⚙ hardwareLumIR offers mid-IR fiber lasers, based on fluorine glass fibers, with up to 10 W output power and emission wavelength between 2.79 μm and 3.3 μm. They are ideal for medical, material processing and sensing applications.
⚙ hardwareVEXLUM offers watt-level single-frequency lasers based on VECSEL technology with broad wavelength coverage. Our product lines include:
Wavelengths range from 350 nm to nm, and power levels up to 10 W.
⚙ hardwareCNI offers a wide range of lasers, including
and various others. We specialize in designing and manufacturing custom-made and OEM lasers to suit our clients' particular needs. In fact, 75% of the lasers manufactured involve some type of custom work.
⚙ hardwareEdmund Optics offers a wide range of laser sources, including machine vision lasers, life science lasers, metrology lasers, gas lasers, industrial and point lasers, and material processing lasers.
⚙ hardwareSHIPS TODAY: AeroDIODE offers fiber-coupled laser diodes between 520 nm and nm as stock items or associated with a CW laser diode driver or pulsed laser diode driver. They are compatible with our high speed nanosecond pulsed drivers or high power CW drivers with air coolingfor the multimode high power laser diode versions. The single mode laser diodes (either Fabry–Pérot laser diode or DFB laser diode) can reach high power in nanosecond pulse regime up to 500 mW. Most turn-key diode & driver solutions are optimized for single-shot to CW performances with pulse durations down to 1 ns. The laser diode precision pulses are generated internally by an on-board pulse generator, or on demand from an external TTL signal. Many multimode versions are available with CW emission up to 300 W in a 200-µm core multimode fiber or up to 250 W in a 135-µm core fiber or 160 W in a 105 µm core fiber.
See also our tutorial on fiber-coupled laser diodes.
⚙ hardwareLumibird manufactures a wide range of lasers thanks to its expertise in three key technologies: pulsed solid-state lasers (nanosecond range), CW and pulsed fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers, and laser diodes. Various application areas are addressed, in industry (manufacturing, lidar sensors), science (laboratories and universities), medical (ophthalmology) and defense.
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If you want to learn more, please visit our website High Repetition DPSS Laser.