Mitsubishi Electric's New Red Laser Diode for Pico Projectors Offers Industry-Leading Output Power

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced today the launch of a 638-nanometer (nm) wavelength red laser diode (LD) offering an output power of 1W, the world's highest among 638 nm band LDs. The ML501P73 diode is ideal for pico projectors and other portable display systems that require a high-brightness red light source. Sample shipments will begin on November 18, 2010.

Pico projectors have drawn much attention because they can be embedded in or connected to mobile systems such as cellular phones and laptop computers. LDs are widely used as light sources for these projectors for their ability to project a wider range of colors compared to lamp-based projectors. LDs deliver higher output while consuming less power than light emitting diodes (LEDs), extending battery life. LDs also enable focus-free operation because optical systems with great depth of field can be used with laser beams.

At high temperatures, the output power of red LDs with wavelengths shorter than 640 nm was not sufficient for high brightness projector applications. Mitsubishi Electric utilized its unique capabilities in applying window mirror structures and epitaxial growth technology to develop an industry-leading output power of 1W at a 638-nm lasing wavelength.

Product Features

1) Highest recorded output power of 1 W at 638 nm for micro projectors

- The product offers a pulsed output power of 1W, currently the world's highest in 638 nm band

- Luminosity as a red light source exceeds 120 lumens (lm) due to lasing at short wavelength

- The product has an industry-leading electrical conversion ratio of 35% at 1W at a temperature of 25 degrees C, enabling the reduction in power consumption

2) Operational at temperatures between -5 degrees C and + 40 degrees C

The product can emit 1W in pulsed output and 0.5W in continuous waves within an operating range of -5 degrees C to + 40 degrees C. In the pulse condition, the duty ratio is less than 33% and the frequency is higher than 50Hz.

Product Summary
Model	Features		Shipment date
	High output power:	1 W (pulse)
ML501P73		0.5W (CW)	November 18, 2010
	Lateral oscillation mode: multi

Other Features
	Conditions	Typical value
Threshold current	CW @ 25 degrees C	170 mA
Operation current	Po = 500 mW, CW @ 25 degrees C	660 mA
Operation voltage	Po = 500 mW, CW @ 25 degrees C	2.2 V
Lasing wavelength	Po = 500 mW, CW @ 25 degrees C	638 nm
Operating temperatures	-5 ~ 40 degrees C
Storage temperatures	-5 ~ 100 degrees C
Package	5.6 mm-diameter capless package

About Mitsubishi Electric
With over 85 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,353.2 billion yen (US$ 36.1 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. For more information visit http://www.MitsubishiElectric.com/

*At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2010