Phase Conjugate Techniques for Diode Laser Brightness Enhancement.
Abstract
Diode laser arrays provide a compact, high power, high efficiency source of monochromatic light and are finding many applications in all solid-state mini and micro-laser systems. Unfortunately, the preferred modes of operation of free-running, conventional pin-guided laser arrays involve the simultaneous oscillation of many array transverse modes'. This results in an undesirable broadened twin-lobe output in the far field which is generally several times the diffraction limit of the emitting region. This leads to poor focusability which in turn severely limits the efficiency of launching into optical fibers, coupling into planar waveguides and longitudinal pumping of solid-state micro-lasers. Photorefractive materials and their unique abilities, namely low-power self-pumped phase conjugation and two-beam coupling, present themselves as ideal materials for use in diode laser array combination and brightness enhancement techniques. In this paper we present results for two brightness enhancement techniques involving phase conjugate feedback from a BaTiO3 Self-pumped phase conjugate mirror (SPPCM) into a high power diode laser array.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP006736
Entities
Organizations
- University of Southampton