Diode laser arrays

Abstract

High-power laser-diode arrays have now become commercially available at cw power levels of 10 W and at quasi-cw power levels of as great as 250 W. This tutorial will address the operation and limitations of high-power laser diodes, including physics of operation, lasing wavelength, reliability, power limits, and modulation rates. New technologies, such as two-dimensional surface emitters and coherent laser arrays, will also be described, as will prospects for future developments and improvements.