Advances in high brightness semiconductor lasers

Abstract

We review recent advances in high power semiconductor lasers including increased spectral brightness, increased spatial brightness, and reduced cost architectures at wavelengths from the near infrared to the eye-safe regime. Data are presented which demonstrate both edge emitter devices and high power surface emitting 2-dimensional arrays with internal gratings to narrow and stabilize the spectrum. Diodes with multimode high spatial brightness and high power single mode performance in the 808 and 976nm regime are described, and advances in high power bars at eye-safe wavelengths are presented. These devices have the potential to dramatically improve diode pumped systems and enable new direct diode applications.