As modern systems trend toward miniaturization—from UAVs and handheld rangefinders to compact LiDAR sensors—the need for smaller, lighter, and more efficient laser sources has become critical. ERDI TECH LTD has answered this call with the launch of the MINI‑100‑03, an ultra-compact 1535nm Er:Yb-doped glass laser module that weighs just 2.5 grams and measures 14.5×6.3×4.37 mm³.

This blog dives into the technical breakthroughs that make the MINI‑100‑03 a powerful game-changer in eye-safe laser technology.

Why 1535nm? Eye-Safe and Built for the Outdoors

Operating at 1535nm, the MINI‑100‑03 falls within a wavelength range that is naturally Class 1 eye-safe, making it suitable for human-facing applications. This wavelength minimizes risk to the retina, even under direct exposure, which is critical in:

• Laser rangefinders (LRF)

• LiDAR sensors

• Handheld or wearable optical devices

• UAV-based targeting or scanning systems

It offers a combination of safety and performance, ideal for outdoor environments and dynamic field conditions.

Ultra-Miniaturized Form Factor with Full Laser Functionality

Engineering in a Micro Footprint

Inside a volume smaller than a standard USB connector, the MINI‑100‑03 houses:

• A high-efficiency Er:Yb co-doped phosphate glass laser medium

• A semiconductor pump source

• A micro optical cavity with thermal management

• Electrical and mechanical interfaces for system integration

Despite this compact size, it delivers ≥100 μJ pulse energy with a 3.5 ns pulse width—specs typically found in much larger modules.

At-a-Glance Specifications

Built for Precision: Stability, Accuracy, and Durability

The MINI‑100‑03 isn’t just small—it’s highly precise and rugged:

• TEM00 beam mode for clean, focused output

• ≤10 mrad divergence ensures tight beam propagation over long distances

• ±10% pulse-to-pulse energy stability improves measurement consistency

• MIL‑STD‑810G shock & vibration compliance for UAV and field deployment

• Wide operating temperature: –40°C to +65°C for extreme outdoor conditions

These features make it ideal for high-accuracy applications such as UAV-mounted LiDAR, tactical rangefinders, and industrial-grade scanning systems.

Intelligent Electrical Interface: Developer-Friendly Design

• 2V supply voltage and 12A driving current

• ≤1 ms driving pulse width supports energy-efficient operation

• Comes with upper-computer software, driver board support, and communication protocol—ready for fast integration

Whether you're designing from scratch or integrating into an existing optical platform, the MINI‑100‑03 is built for plug-and-play development.

Why It Matters: Redefining the Limits of Eye-Safe Laser Modules

The MINI‑100‑03 marks a critical advancement in the evolution of solid-state laser technology. It shows how laser modules can be:

Miniaturized without sacrificing output
Ruggedized for shock/vibration conditions
Optimized for low-power, embedded systems
Reliable, with over 10 million pulses of operating life
Safe, complying with international Class 1 eye-safety standards

This opens new doors in lightweight laser design for robotics, precision surveying, UAV navigation, border security, and even smart wearables.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Miniature Laser Modules Is Here

The MINI‑100‑03 represents more than just a compact design—it’s a leap forward in integrating power, performance, and safety into a micro-scale footprint. As industries race toward lighter and smarter devices, this laser module is poised to be at the heart of next-generation optical systems.

Interested in integrating the MINI‑100‑03 into your project? Contact ERDI for technical datasheets, evaluation kits, or partnership discussions.