Explore the functioning, types, and diverse applications of semiconductor lasers or laser diodes in our everyday technology. Laser diodes offer high power for their size and produce electrical-power-efficient laser radiation. They consist of a p-n semiconductor junction, with a forward bias voltage applied to trigger a current through the junction. But how do they really work—and why are they so important? What Is a Semiconductor Laser? A. Laser Diode Definition: A laser diode is a semiconductor device that generates coherent light by stimulating electrons to emit photons.
[PDF Version]