Engineering of freeform refractive and reflective slow axis collimation solutions

Abstract

High power diode laser arrays or single emitters require either fast or slow axis optical collimation, or both, for further transport or photonic application of high power laser radiation. With varying requirements and conditions for the slow axis collimation and the corresponding engineering solutions, a multitude of options exist from spherical refractive to freeform reflective in single lens elements or in array forms. Here we report on the benefits of reflective slow axis freeform optics and its implementation for the collimation with integrated right angle reflection for compact solutions and miniaturization of module packaging.