We all know that there are many packaging forms of laser diode, so do you know the difference between SMD laser diode and TO package? Let's take a look at it together.

Patch laser diode (SMD)

Small, thin, suitable for automatic patch production, the pins are solder pads, which are directly attached to the circuit board. Usually, the emitting surface is small, and most of them are side-emitting or vertical-emitting (VCSEL), and they rely on PCB for heat dissipation.

TO package laser diode (TO-Can, such as TO-18, TO-56, etc.)

Metal shell package, protective cap, window/lens, pin pin, convenient for welding or socket installation, built-in heat dissipation base, much stronger heat dissipation ability than SMD, better laser spot quality and higher power.

Let me tell you what kind of package you are suitable for:

SMD laser diode is suitable for: small devices such as mobile phone 3D structured light (VCSEL), smart door locks, sweepers, bracelets, distance sensing, infrared tube alignment, receivers, consumer electronics, smart wear, scanning and bar code recognition.

TO packaged laser diodes are suitable for:

Laser rangefinder, optical communication (such as 1310nm/1550nm), medical instruments (laser treatment and detection), industrial sensing equipment, laser positioning, laser engraving, high-power irradiation and pumping source.

The above is the difference between SMD laser diode and TO package. I believe you will have a clear understanding after reading it.