ams OSRAM unveils its new cyan laser diode: up to five times more power for DNA sequencing

Premstaetten, Austria, and Munich, Germany (May 5, 2025) – ams OSRAM (SIX: AMS), a global leader in intelligent sensors and emitters, is extending its portfolio of high-power lasers: the new cyan-colored laser diode is up to five times brighter than its predecessors. Designed specifically for life science applications, it emits at a wavelength of 488 nanometers—delivering significantly enhanced performance and greater efficiency than earlier models. These features are crucial for reliable analysis in life science research and diagnostics, such as DNA sequencing and flow cytometry. The new laser diode offers faster, more accurate analysis, increasing diagnostic possibilities in large-scale laboratories. The launch of this new semiconductor laser also paves the way for more compact and cost-efficient diagnostic systems tailored for healthcare facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

The new PLT5 488HB_EP cyan laser diode from ams OSRAM achieves a remarkable 300 milliwatts of output power, representing a fivefold increase in optical performance and an improvement in efficiency of more than 40 % compared to its predecessor. The increased optical power output enables higher measurement precision and accelerated processing of biological samples. 488 nanometer laser diodes are essential to modern diagnostics and research, powering applications such as blood, serum, and plasma analyses, as well as flow cytometry, and DNA sequencing. This method for diagnosing genetic conditions involves directing light through a biological sample. Nucleotides, as the building blocks of DNA, can absorb and emit light in a distinct way, allowing their sequence to be accurately determined. A more powerful laser diode enables faster and more accurate analytical results. 

“Our 488-nanometer laser diode delivers exceptional optical performance, ensuring reliable analysis while reducing power consumption. It is thus the perfect choice for precision-critical applications—whether in laboratories, hospital settings, or forensic facilities. This diode stands out due to its low noise, broad modulation bandwidth, and top-notch beam quality”, emphasizes Winfried Schwedler, Marketing Manager at ams OSRAM.

Cyan light is highly effective at stimulating fluorescent dyes used in diagnostic devices such as flow cytometers and blood testing equipment. Engineered for precise wavelength control of ±2 nanometers and a high light intensity of 300 milliwatts, this diode is ideal for life science applications that demand exceptional visibility and high precision. Its high modulation bandwidth allows for the precise control of light intensity, significantly boosting both signal quality and the speed of analytical processes.

This new diode from ams OSRAM also impresses with low thermal resistance, ensuring dependable operation even at high temperatures. An integrated photodiode for output control and an ESD protection diode further enhance the robustness and reliability of the cyan laser diode.

While ideal for life science research, the cyan laser diode offers remarkably versatile potential for a broad spectrum of other applications. By broadening the color gamut in stage and stadium lighting, for example, it creates vibrant, eye-catching visual effects. In the field of fluorescence microscopy, the specific 488-nanometer wavelength offers improved visibility, enabling the clearer visualization of fine details that may be difficult to detect with conventional light sources. These advanced capabilities make the new PLT5 488HB_EP a perfect addition to ams OSRAM’s portfolio of high-power laser diodes. 

ams OSRAM holds over 2000 active patent assets in the field of laser diodes worldwide, maintaining an unrivaled leadership position within the industry*.

Find more information about PLT5 488HB_EP here.