What Is an APW Laser?
Factory-Locked Power Technology for Stable Semiconductor Laser Integration
Semiconductor lasers are widely used as light sources in industrial optical systems such as machine vision, sensing, and precision measurement. However, system engineers often face challenges when integrating laser diodes into equipment, including:
- variations in optical output power
- calibration work during mass production
- output adjustment circuit design
- re-calibration during maintenance
To address these issues, APW (Automatic Power Writing) laser technology was developed.
APW lasers are measured and programmed during manufacturing, and the desired optical output power is written into the internal IC before shipment. This allows engineers to integrate the laser directly into their systems with minimal adjustment.
Factory Locked Power
The core concept behind APW technology is Factory Locked Power.
In conventional semiconductor lasers, system designers often need to adjust optical power using:
- resistors
- capacitors
- external control circuits
- optical power calibration
With APW lasers, the optical power is defined and programmed during the manufacturing process, enabling consistent output characteristics between devices.
This approach helps reduce
- calibration work
- system integration time
- maintenance complexity.
Simplified System Design
In many laser systems, optical power is adjusted using external components such as resistors or capacitors.
With APW lasers, the optical output is already defined at shipment, allowing system designs where additional adjustment components are not required.
This can help simplify
- circuit design
- component count
- system integration.
Improved Reliability
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the major causes of laser diode damage.
Typical pin-type laser devices have an ESD tolerance of around 30 V.
The APW architecture improves ESD robustness, helping reduce the risk of damage during
- assembly
- manufacturing processes
- field replacement.
Stable Optical Performance
APW lasers are provided with LIV curve data (current-output characteristics) measured across a temperature range of
25°C to 70°C. This allows system designers to verify laser performance under different temperature conditions.
Patented Technology
APW laser technology was granted a patent titled “Automatic Power Writing Spot Emitter” on August 21, 2025.
This patented approach programs the optical output directly into the device during manufacturing.
Applications
APW lasers are particularly useful in industrial mass-production equipment, including:
- 3D measurement systems
- machine vision systems
- line illumination
- semiconductor inspection equipment
- optical sensors
- biomedical instruments
These systems require stable and repeatable optical output.
Technical Consultation
APW lasers are particularly effective in applications that require stable and repeatable optical output, such as mass-production equipment and precision optical systems.
Depending on the application, optimal laser parameters such as wavelength, optical power, and optical configuration may vary.
At Ayase Co., Ltd., we provide technical support including:
- semiconductor laser selection
- optical system design consultation
- beam shaping integration
- optical solutions for industrial equipment
If you are considering APW lasers for your system, please feel free to contact us for technical consultation.
