Diode laser with improved means for electrically modulating the emitted light beam intensity including turn-on and turn-off and electrically controlling the position of the emitted laser beam spot

摘要

A family of semiconductor diode lasers is made available whose emitted laser light beam intensity can be electrically modulated with low voltage, low current modulating control bias signals. By appropriate design of the diode laser devices in accordance with the invention and provision of means for adjusting the relative values of the applied modulating control bias signals, the improved diode lasers can be switched on and off electrically in addition to modulation of the emitted output laser light beam intensity. Further, the physical position of the emitted laser light beam spot along the laser facet readily can be moved by the same electrically operable control means so as to provide modulation, turn-on and turn-off and small lateral movement as well as scanning of the laser light beam in a single heterostructural diode laser device.