Improved High Power Diode Array Manufacturing

The primary objective of this proposed Phase II Project is to scale up the SiMMtec diode array manufacturing process and to demonstrate that the target price of $3/W for QCW operation for high performance high power diode arrays can be achieved for 1000 array orders. We propose to develop and demonstrate the scale up of the required processes to fabricate the SiMM array. Extended lifetest of the SiMM array will be carried out to delineate its performance over the lifetime. As a result of this demonstration, 30 SiMMtec arrays of 10 bars each, unlensed, will be produced and burned in. These arrays can be used in either of two DoD programs, Zeus and Heat Capacity Laser, perhaps others. Both programs have encountered problems with the performance and lifetime of the conventional diode arrays. Using SiMM arrays instead of conventional diode arrays will provide higher performance. In particular, for QCW operation of the Zeus diode-pumped laser, 1.5 times the peak output at half the coolant requirement can be produced with the same number of diode bars using SiMM arrays. For the Heat Capacity Laser, for the same peak power output of the diode array module, the number of diode bars are required with the SiMM arrays are 33% lower.