Applications of diffractive optics to diode laser arrays and amplifiers

James R. Leger, Greg S. Mowry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper reviews applications of diffractive optics to optical resonators using diode laser arrays and wide-stripe diode-laser amplifiers as the gain medium. The mode profile can be tailored to any desirable shape by proper design of the diffractive optics. By optimizing additional cavity parameters, these resonators can be designed to discriminate against higher-order cavity modes, insuring single-spatial-mode operation. As a first example, we show a diffractive laser mirror designed to excite a uniform-intensity supermode of an AlGaAs laser array. The effect of varying the phase of this array on modal discrimination is studied. In the second example, a laser mirror is designed to produce a super-Gaussian beam profile in a wide-stripe semiconductor laser amplifier. Two-and-eight-tenths watts of diffraction-limited optical power is obtained.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Pages240-251
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)0819417300, 9780819417305
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995
EventMicro-Optics/Micromechanics and Laser Scanning and Shaping - San Jose, CA, USA
Duration: Feb 7 1995Feb 8 1995

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2383
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherMicro-Optics/Micromechanics and Laser Scanning and Shaping
CitySan Jose, CA, USA
Period2/7/952/8/95

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