High Power Laser Diode Bars

High power diode laser bars are critical components in diode-pumped solid-state laser systems. However, the output power from laser bars are limited to typically 20 W cw and 100 W qcw at commercial levels of reliability. SDL proposes a novel facet passivation approach that promises to increase the output power of laser bars by a factor of 2 to 3 beyond what is possible with current technology. Phase I will demonstrate the new design on test laser structures; Phase II will implement the process in laser diode bars and verify the performance improvement. Anticipated benefits include sharply increased reliability, lower cost, reduced input power, and reduced weight. Application areas include laser machining, welding, and solid state laser pumping. Additionally, single mode lasers in satellite communications, data storage, frequency conversion to mid-IR will be substantially improved.