Performance enhancement of the high-power laser diodes and arrays by use of the volume Bragg grating™ technology

摘要

Volume Bragg grating™ (VBG™) technology has been shown to improve spectralcharacteristics of the high-power laser diodes and arrays. We review the recent advances in VBGtechnology that lead to better spectral performance as well as improvements in spatial brightnessof the high-power laser diode arrays. The VBG technology has been applied to manufacturing ofhigh-power laser diode arrays suitable for spectral beam combining to achieve even higher spatialbrightness. The approach involves fabrication of VBG™ elements with transverse chirp of theBragg period. Wavelength tuning of the laser diode arrays and wavelength-shifted laser diode baroperation have been demonstrated, which will lead to manufacturing of spectrally combined highbrightnessarrays.