Investigation into the commercial application of infrared technology: Lead chalcogenide laser diodes

Possible applications of semiconductor diode lasers, based on ternary Pb chalcogenides, are discussed. The emission range of these lasers is in the middle and far infrared in the wavelength region between 2.5 and 30 micrometers. By means of the chemical composition, the temperature, and the electrical current, a precise adjustment of the emission wavelength of the laser is possible. Applications are in the laboratory as well as in industrial processes, test stands, and in the medical field. The major part of 88% of the total market potential is likely to be in the fields of emission measurement on combustion engines and pollution control. The total market potential of the Federal Republic of Germany is assumed to be 22 million DM per annum.