Class IV Diode Lasers
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Class IV diode lasers are high-powered laser devices that emit coherent light. They are typically used in applications that require significant power output, such as industrial processes and medical procedures. These lasers are known for their ability to produce a concentrated beam of light, which can be precisely controlled for various tasks.
Working Principle
Diode lasers operate by emitting light from the edge of a semiconductor chip, a process known as edge-emission. This allows them to generate coherent light, which is light that is in phase both spatially and temporally. The coherent nature of the light makes diode lasers particularly useful for applications requiring precision and control. The high efficiency of diode lasers, compared to other types of lasers, is due to their ability to convert electrical energy into light with minimal loss. This efficiency, combined with their small form factor, makes them versatile and effective for a wide range of uses.
Applications
Class IV diode lasers are used in a variety of specific applications. In the industrial sector, they are employed for welding tasks, such as welding automotive components and small medical devices like pacemakers, due to their high power and precision. In the medical field, they are used for procedures like diode laser hair removal, which benefits from the laser's ability to target hair follicles with minimal discomfort to the patient.
Advantages over other Diode Lasers
Class IV diode lasers offer several advantages over other types of diode lasers. Their high power output allows them to perform tasks that lower-powered lasers cannot, such as welding and cutting. Additionally, their ability to operate at shorter wavelengths provides higher absorption characteristics, making them ideal for working with materials like stainless steel and aluminum, which are more reflective at longer wavelengths.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Class IV diode lasers have limitations. Their high power output can pose safety risks, requiring stringent safety measures to prevent accidental exposure. Additionally, the complexity of their design and operation can lead to higher initial costs and maintenance requirements compared to lower-powered lasers.
Considerations
When considering the use of Class IV diode lasers, several factors should be taken into account. The initial cost of these lasers can be significant due to their complex design and high power capabilities. Operating expenses may also be higher, as they require more energy and potentially more frequent maintenance. However, their durability and precision can offset these costs in applications where high performance is essential. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as the components of high-powered lasers may wear out more quickly than those in lower-powered devices.
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The A package is a compact, conductively-cooled laser diode array. The A package is available in pulsed configurations with up to 2.4 kW of peak power or in CW configurations with up to 40 W of continuous power. The A package mounts easily into a laser system or direct-diode application. It is... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1060 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1060 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 800 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Lumentum Operations, LLC
IDL Series air-cooled, direct-diode laser systems combine our high-reliability L4 diode lasers with a unique fused-fiber individual-emitter architecture and novel health-monitoring system to yield an extremely reliable and scalable product that performs in the most demanding industrial manufacturing... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
- Laser Type: Laser Diode Modules
- Wavelength Range: 940
from ProPhotonix, Ltd.
These are industrial laser diodes, energy efficient, stable and reliable, offering the highest quality and performance on the market. The Sony SLD 1332V is a powerful (500mW), high-brightness, red laser diode suitable for use in machine vision, therapeutic medical lasers and measurement... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Red
from OSI Optoelectronics
OSI Laser Diode, Inc. ‘s (LDI) series of High Power CW products is offered with an output range from 0.5 Watts to 7.0 Watts. These devices have a standard wavelength of 805 nm with a spectral width of 2.5 nm FWHM. Product Features. 0.5 - 5 Watts. High Efficiency Devices. Multiple Package... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The AA package is a compact, conductively-cooled laser diode array. The AA package is available in pulsed configurations with up to 4.8 kW of peak power or in CW configurations with up to 80 W of continuous power. The AA package mounts easily into a laser system or direct-diode application. It is... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1450 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1450 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 500 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The AAA package is a compact, conductively-cooled laser diode array. The AAA package is available in pulsed configurations with up to 7.2 kW of peak power or in CW configurations with up to 120 W of continuous power. The AAA package mounts easily into a laser system or direct-diode application. It... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LID-1450 Series of Enhanced Profile Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring both a wavelength in the IR range and a good beam profile typically unavailable in a diode laser. This series is available in a range of output power levels of 50 mW to 150 mW with a... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The AAAA package is a compact, conductively-cooled laser diode array. The AAAA package is available in pulsed configurations with up to 9.6 kW of peak power or in CW configurations with up to 160 W of continuous power. The AAAA package mounts easily into a laser system or direct-diode application. [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-1450 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 100 mW to 500 mW. These 1450 nm IR lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The Cs package is a standard in the laser industry. It often serves as a building block for large laser systems, or a stand-alone unit in a laboratory environment. CEO offers a unique version of the Cs package based upon its Golden Bullet technology that enables the use of multiple bars per package. [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1470 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1470 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 800 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The Cs package is a standard in the laser industry. It often serves as a building block for large laser systems, or a stand-alone unit in a laboratory environment. CEO offers a unique version of the Cs package based upon its Golden Bullet technology that enables the use of multiple bars per package. [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LID-1470 Series of Enhanced Profile Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring both a wavelength in the IR range and a good beam profile typically unavailable in a diode laser. This series is available in a range of output power levels of 100 mW to 200 mW with a... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The G Package is a standard in the laser industry. It often serves as a building block for large laser systems, or a stand-alone unit in a laboratory environment. It is available with up to eight bars and a maximum QCW output power of 2.4 kW. CEO offers these arrays with many values of bar-to-bar... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-1470 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 100 mW to 800 mW. These 1470 nm IR lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The G Package is a standard in the laser industry. It often serves as a building block for large laser systems, or a stand-alone unit in a laboratory environment. It is available with up to eight bars and a maximum QCW output power of 2.4 kW. CEO offers these arrays with many values of bar-to-bar... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1550 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1550 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 600 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The G Package is a standard in the laser industry. It often serves as a building block for large laser systems, or a stand-alone unit in a laboratory environment. It is available with up to eight bars and a maximum QCW output power of 2.4 kW. CEO offers these arrays with many values of bar-to-bar... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LID-1550 Series of Enhanced Profile Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring both a wavelength in the IR range and a good beam profile typically unavailable in a diode laser. This series is available in a range of output power levels of 50 mW to 200 mW with a... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The CEO hermetically-sealed package is designed to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. It is impervious to dust and moisture, both of which can cause degradation or failure to unprotected laser diode arrays. Available with output powers of up to 2.4 kW (QCW) or 40W (CW), the package is... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-1550 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 100 mW to 600 mW. These 1550 nm IR lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The CEO hermetically-sealed package is designed to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. It is impervious to dust and moisture, both of which can cause degradation or failure to unprotected laser diode arrays. Available with output powers of up to 2.4 kW (QCW) or 40W (CW), the package is... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 790 to 1550
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1870 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1870 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 1000 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
CEO has combined its novel packaging capabilities with its high power QCW laser diode bars to create conductively-cooled laser diode arrays with power densities approaching 25 kW/cm2. These High Density Stack (HDS) arrays are excellent candidates for small, lightweight applications which require... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Wavelength Range: 808 to 940
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1908 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1908 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 1000 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The high power versions of the Patara lasers feature our modular and scalable DPSS technology for superior beam pointing, pulse to pulse stability, and high conversion efficiency. With Q-Switched rated output powers up to 100 Watts at 532nm, the beam shape and parameters are ideally suited for... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Wavelength Range: 532
- Laser Type: Laser Diode Modules
- Laser Power: 35000
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-1940 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 1940 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 100 mW to 1000 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The TEMoo Patara lasers feature SilentLight DPSS technology for superior beam pointing and pulse to pulse stability. With Q-Switched rated output powers up to 20 Watts at 532nm and 1064nm, the beam shape at focus is > 90% round - making it ideally suited for use in precision micromachining... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Wavelength Range: 532
- Laser Type: Laser Diode Modules
- Laser Power: 16000
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-2200 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a wavelength of around 2200 nm and a wide range of output power levels from 50 mW to 300 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
CEO ’s QCW pumped REA laser module is the ideal building block for any DPSS Laser system. Design flexibility allows for a variety rod lengths, diameters, and gain media (Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF) to be used in both resonator and amplifier designs. QCW output energies range from 400mJ to >4J per... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IV
- Laser Output: Pulsed
- Laser Type: Laser Diode Modules
- Laser Power: 3.60E7
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-2200 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 50 mW to 300 mW. These 2200 nm IR lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Infrared
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0405 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 405 nm and output power levels of <5 mW to 300 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive cost. These... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Violet
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-0405 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from <5 mW to 300 mW. These 405 nm lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Violet
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0442 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 442 nm and output power levels of <5 mW to 50 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at a very competitive cost. These lasers are... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-0442 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from <5 mW to 50 mW. These 442 nm lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-0447 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 5 mW to 1000 mW. These 447 nm lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIa; Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0447 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 447 nm and output power levels of <5 mW to 20 W with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at a very competitive cost. These lasers are... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0450 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 450 nm and output power levels of 5 mW to 1 W with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at a very competitive cost. These lasers are... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIa; Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LLD-0450 Series of Low-Noise Collimated Diode Lasers are ideal for applications requiring less than 1% noise and output power levels from 30 mW to 1000 mW. These 450 nm lasers maintain a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at an aggressively competitive... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIa; Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0470 Cyanea ™ Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 470 nm and output power levels of 100 mW to 1000 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at a very competitive cost. [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIa; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue
from Laserglow Technologies
The LRD-0488 Series of Collimated Diode (Semiconductor) Lasers are ideal for applications requiring a short wavelength of 488 nm and output power levels of <5 mW to 50 mW with a high level of long-term output power stability and long operating lifetime at a very competitive cost. These lasers are... [See More]
- CDRH Classification: Class IIIb; Class IV
- Laser Output: Continuous
- Laser Type: Laser Diodes
- Laser Wavelength: Blue