It's well-known that certain uncommon colored metals absorb light energy more efficiently as the wavelength decreases. For instance, copper's absorption of light below 500nm is at least 50% higher compared to infrared light. This makes shorter wavelengths ideal for processing copper.

Currently, developing high-power, short-wavelength lasers for industrial applications is a challenge for laser manufacturers. Few high-power options are available, and they are often expensive and inefficient. Some solid-state laser sources based on frequency doubling can operate in this wavelength range, producing lasers with 515nm or 532nm wavelengths (green spectrum). However, these systems rely on nonlinear optical crystals to convert pump laser energy to the target wavelength, resulting in significant power loss. Additionally, these lasers require intricate cooling systems and complex optical setups.

To address these challenges, the spotlight has turned to blue semiconductor lasers, which offer several distinct advantages:

1. Enhanced Metal Absorption
High-reflectivity metals, such as copper, absorb blue light at much higher rates, giving blue light lasers a significant edge in metal processing.

• Stable Absorption During Melting: Blue light maintains stable absorption during copper melting, minimizing fluctuations. Continuous welding with consistent energy density becomes achievable.
• Superior Welding Quality: Blue laser welding combines excellent precision and low defect rates, enabling efficient production of high-quality copper weld seams.

Blue light also exhibits unique advantages in underwater environments. Its lower absorption in seawater extends its propagation path, unlocking new possibilities for underwater material processing. What was once a challenging domain can now be approached with confidence. Furthermore, blue light can easily be converted to white light, enabling its use in compact designs for floodlights and various lighting applications, greatly broadening its practical boundaries.

2. Efficiency of Gallium Nitride Semiconductor Lasers

Lasers with a 450nm wavelength offer nearly 20 times the processing efficiency on copper compared to those with a 1µm wavelength. Compared to traditional near-infrared laser welding techniques, high-power blue lasers outperform in both quantity and quality:

• Speed and Versatility: Blue lasers enable faster welding speeds and expand the range of applicable processes, directly translating to enhanced production efficiency and reduced downtime.
• High-Quality Welds: The resulting welds are splash-free and free of pores, with higher mechanical strength and lower electrical resistance. Consistent weld quality further improves the yield rate in production. Additionally, blue lasers enable conductive heat transfer welding, a capability not achievable with near-infrared lasers.

As the rise of the Internet and AI fuels industrial innovation, laser processing technology, with its integration of CNC capabilities and remote processing, has become a cornerstone of next-generation smart manufacturing. Its minimal need for tool changes reinforces its role as a dominant force in the industry.

Starry Laser has released a 200W blue light semiconductor laser with a 105µm fiber core diameter, offering high brightness and reliability. For consumer applications, the company provides 5–70W engraving modules with fine spots and high resolution, as well as 10–120W modules suitable for non-metal cutting with high optical output.  

These blue semiconductor laser products feature proprietary high-performance pump systems and advanced COS packaging, ensuring stable power output. Today, power outputs of up to 6KW are achievable. Starry Laser's hybrid red-blue welding systems combine the preheating benefits of blue lasers with the precision of fiber laser welding, producing splash-free, aesthetically pleasing welds on colored metals. Applications range from welding precious metals like gold and silver to battery components in the renewable energy sector.

High-power blue semiconductor lasers have emerged as a transformative force in laser technology. While their applications are still in the early stages, ongoing advancements in technology and techniques position them as a cornerstone of next-generation smart manufacturing. These lasers are set to drive the industry forward, ushering in a new era of innovation.