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Three key parameters need to be known in order to design a diode laser module that is suited for high peak powers. First is the damage threshold of the facet. The damage threshold determines the maximum power level at which the laser can be operated safely, considering a proper safety margin dependent on application. The damage threshold is a function of the input pulse width and amplitude. The second parameter which is influenced by the drive current is the slow axis divergence of the diode laser. Knowledge of this parameter is critical when designing the system optics. The third parameter is the effective emitter size which may increase with operating current. An increase in emitter size will lead to larger divergences after collimating optics for a given focal length lens and may result in a larger spot when coupling into an optical fiber. All these parameters have to be considered when designing a new product. Presented here is a study on these three critical parameters as a function of operating conditions. Results for different diode designs will be presented. The data presented includes damage thresholds, as well as near field and far field data at various operating currents. A design study for fiber coupled modules with high pulse energies based on the test results will be shown for various wavelengths. |
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Semiconductor lasers
Fiber couplers
Laser damage threshold
Diodes
Near field optics
Near field
Fiber coupled lasers
