Case Temperature - Tc: Device temperature measured at the base of the package.

Optical output power - Po: Maximum tolerable output power under CW operation. The value with no kink phenomena in a light VS current characteristics.

Pulse optical output power - Po(pulse): The value is only for initial adjustment for set up. Itis of no use under the continuous pulse operation.

Reverse voltage - VR: VR(LD) Maximum tolerable reverse bias applied to a device. VR(PD) For the LDs with a built-in photodiode, the reverse voltage of the photodiode, VR(LD) and VR(PD) are specified respectively.

Operating Temperature - Topr: Range of case temperatures within which the device may be safely operated.

Storage Temperature - Tstg: Range of case temperatures within which the device may be safely stored.

Threshold Current - Ith: Forward current at which a diode starts to lase. This value is specified as the cross point of spontaneous emission region and lasing region.

Monitor Current - Im: The current through the photodiode, at the specified optical output power.

Operating Current - Iop: The current of a laser diode operated at the specified optical output power and operating temperature.

Operating Voltage - Vop: The voltage of a laser diode operated at the specified optical output power operating temperature.

Slope Efficiency - h: Optical output power increment per unit drive current in the lasing region.

Lasing Wavelength - lp: Maximum intensity wavelength in a spectral distribution.

Beam Divergence - q // ,q ^: Divergence of a light beam emited from a laser diode is described in the figure of lasing modes of the laser diode. q // is the full angle at a half of the peak intensity in the parallel profile. q ^ is the full angle at a half of the paek intensity ine the perpendicular profile.

Astigmatism - As:Difference of the radiation points between parallel and perpendicular in a transverse mode of a laser diode operated at the specified optical output power.

The Absolute Maximum Ratings: Be careful of never to exceed, even momentarily, the absolute maximum rating specified in the data sheets herein. It is possible for diodes to be damaged by spike current, generated when switching the power ON or OFF or when adjusting its output power. Before activating diodes, check the transient state of the power supply to assure that it does not exceed the maximum rating. Operate the diodes below the maximum optical output power rating in order to prevent mirror facet damage and resultant loss in reliability.

Surge Energy: Electrostatic discharge and electric spike input which may damage the diodes. The main causes of undesirrable surge energy are static electricity on the human body, shipping containers made of unsuitable materials, abnormal pulses generated from test equipment, and voltage leakage from soldering irons.

Storage: Store diodes in temperature of between of between 5 and 30 °C and relative humidity of below 40%. Lower values of both are perferable. Avoid sharp drop in temperature in order to prevent condensation. It is recommended to store diodes in an atmosphere of dry nitrogen with a dew point of -40°C. Assume that the storage atmosphere is void of dust and gases harmful to diodes. Use a storage case which can not be easily be charged with static electricity.

Safety Considerations: Be sure to avoid direct exposure of human eyes to high power laser beams from laser diodes. Even though barely visible and/or invisible to the human eye can be harmful. Particularly, avoid looking directly into a laser diode or collimated beam along its optical axis when the diode is activated. One simple way to determine the optical path is to use a phosphor plate or infrared camera.