As VCSEL is a much efficient and very long life time pumping source for Nd:YAG, it is believed that the VCSEL pumped Nd:YAG laser (VPSSL) is going to replace the flash lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser in the next a few years. Along with the cost down of high power VCSEL, the VPSSL is going to be a more economical solution for the Nd:YAG laser users worldwide. The giant improvement on the pumping efficiency reduces the cost on the PSU and cooling system, and also makes the smaller system dimension with less cooling requirement possible.
About Technical Performance
| Key Parameters | Lamp Pumped Nd:YAG Laser | VCSEL Pumped Nd:YAG Laser |
| Overall Electrical-Optical Efficiency | ~1% | ~20% |
| PSU Power Input | Very High | Very Low |
| Thermal Problems | More | Less |
| Typical Cooling Method | Water | Water / TEC / Forced Air |
| System Dimension | Big | Small |
| Lamp Replacement | Routine Replacement | No Consumables |
| Life Time | Short | Very Long (+5 years@10Hz) |
| System Manufacture Cost | Equal or Close | Equal or Close |
| Consumable & Maintenance Cost | High | Low |
About the Cost
| Key Parameters | Lamp Pumped Nd:YAG Laser | VCSEL Pumped Nd:YAG Laser |
| Nd:YAG Rod (Same) | ★★ | ★★ |
| Pumping Chamber (Lamp, VCSEL, Reflector) | ★★ | ★★★★★ |
| PSU & Driver | ★★★★ | ★ |
| Cooling System | ★★ | ★ |
| Consumable Material (Lamp) | ★ | |
| Maintenance Cost | ★ | |
| Overall Cost | ★ x 12 | ★ x 9 |