Lee Laser began the manufacture of our Series LDP Diode-Pumped Nd:YAG Lasers in June
1998. Since that time, Lee Laser has delivered many hundreds of the Series LDP lasers in all
configurations at both 1064 nm and 532 nm.
Update September 2003
Many of the early Series LDP lasers now have reached the end of their diode lifetimes. Lee
Laser is refurbishing these diode modules by installing new diodes. The diode modules have
exhibited a range of operating hours from 6,000 to 32,000, with an average lifetime of more
than 14,000, when the lasers are operated at a level that does not exceed their rated
output power levels. The attached chart, Lifetime for Diode Head, plots diode lifetimes for
46 lasers. This confirms Lee Laser s claim of expected diode lifetime in the range of 10,000 to
20,000 hours, depending on usage.
Update April 2004
A recent analysis of the diode lifetimes of Series LDP-100 lasers (Models LDP-100M, LDP-
100MQ and LDP-100MQG) reveals an average diode lifetime of 19,000 hours for
approximately 50 diode modules that were returned to Lee Laser for rebuild between August
2003 and March 2004. For these, diode lifetimes ranged from a minimum of 9,000 hours to a
maximum of 28,000 hours. A plot of statistical data is attached for your reference.
What is the explanation for this superior diode lifetime ? Lee Laser uses 33 % more diodes in
our lasers than our competitors to generate the same rated output beam power level. By
allowing more diodes to share in the load to produce the same beam power, individual diodes
operate at a reduced current level thereby extending diode lifetime by a significant margin.
Update October 2004
Since our last analysis of diode lifetime in April 2004, more information has become available.
Lee Laser has received additional diode modules for repair at the end of their useful lifetimes.
Hour meters that are attached to these diode modules indicate that several have reached or
exceeded 30,000 hours, and the average lifetime is now greater than 20,000 hours.
Warranty and Replacement
Lee Laser s diode lifetime warranty remains 5,000 hours or one (1) year, whichever occurs
first. There is no prorated warranty charge.
Not all diodes age at a uniform rate. Often, Lee Laser will find healthy diodes among the
aged . Lee Laser s policy on the repair of out-of-warranty diodes is to replace only those that
exhibit a significant decline in performance. Those diodes that still exhibit useful lifetime will
not be replaced, and the customer will be charged accordingly.
