Wavelength Beam-Combined Laser Diode Arrays.

摘要

Wavelength beam combining of diode lasers produces the intensity and brightness necessary for metal cutting and welding that previously required more powerful and more expensive laser systems. The wavelength beam-combining fiber-coupled diode laser is the first direct-diode laser that is bright enough to cut and weld metal. Although diode lasers are the highest efficiency lasers, until recently their brightness has been relatively low compared to that of other kW-class lasers used in industrial applications. Lincoln Laboratory's fundamental breakthrough in wavelength beam-combining (WBC) has enabled the development of a system that has the laser brightness necessary for industrial use.