FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Opnext, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPXT), a global leader offering one of the most comprehensive families of high power, low operating current red and infrared laser diodes, today introduced a 637nm, 120mW high power laser with a built-in monitor photo diode. Opnext’s HL63142DG red laser diode, which is designed for industrial and military applications, including military target acquisition, achieves optimal performance and output by enabling system designers to monitor the laser’s performance and adjust output power in real time. Opnext customers are currently sampling the red laser diode for use in industrial and military applications.

Using a unique and proprietary design, the HL63142DG built-in monitor photo diode allows a system designer to control the optical performance by monitoring the photo diode current and adjusting for temperature and power variants. Performance monitoring capabilities are essential for maintaining constant laser output power in construction systems and biomedical and other applications that experience changes in their operating environments. The HL63142DG operates at a temperature range up to 50°C and 120mW in the 637nm wavelength band in a 5.6mm diameter TO industry standard package.

“We expect to see initial demand for this high quality laser with built-in monitor photo diode to come from military target acquisition-type applications where precise laser control is an important performance parameter,” said Tadayuki Kanno, President of Opnext’s devices business unit. “The industry trend is moving toward producing laser diodes that are high power, while consuming less energy, and Opnext continues to innovate in bringing these key performance capabilities to market.”

Opnext offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of laser diodes, spanning from 635nm to 850nm, driven by more than 30 years of innovative laser heritage. Opnext high quality, reliable red and infrared laser diodes are proven to consume a low operating current, which extends battery life, while still maintaining the integrity of the laser diode power in a variety of applications such as gun sights, rangefinders, line leveling construction systems and biomedical applications.

The HL63142DG is in mass production. For additional information or sample quantities, please contact any one of the Opnext sales offices.

Exhibiting at Photonics West 2011

Opnext will demonstrate end application products that use the company’s laser diode technology during the Photonics West conference, January 25-27, 2011, at the San Francisco - Moscone Center. Visit Opnext at Booth # 1837.

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About Opnext, Inc.

Opnext (NASDAQ:OPXT) is the optical technology partner of choice supplying systems providers and OEMs worldwide with one of the industry's largest portfolios of 10G and higher next generation optical products and solutions. The Company's industry expertise, future-focused thinking and commitment to research and development combine in bringing to market the most advanced technology to the communications, defense, security and biomedical industries. Formed out of Hitachi, Opnext has built on more than 30 years experience in advanced technology to establish its broad portfolio of solutions and solid reputation for excellence in service and delivering value to its customers. For additional information, visit www.opnext.com.