Methods for Protecting of Diode Arrays During Laser Pumping

Abstract

Ultra-high requirements are inflicted on almost all characteristics of power sources also known as diode drivers, due to the high cost of laser diode arrays. The main emphasis in these requirements is on the repeatability of the parameters of the output pulses. In the case of operation at the peak power of the laser diode, if only a short-term excess of the upper range of the permissible current is reached, damage or failure of the laser diode is unavoidable. As the laser diode is used, its characteristics gradually impair - the radiation power decreases and, in the end, it fails. This is due to the gradual destruction of the structure of the laser diode Similarly, this includes the versatility of the housing and the efficiency of the power source. The power source monitors the power supplied and the necessary protection of expensive laser diode arrays using functions such as soft start and temperature protection. This article will describe the principles of the basic techniques for protecting laser diode arrays and the characteristics of transients, ripple currents.