Claims
- 1. A frequency coversion combiner system for a multiple diode laser source comprising:
- a diode laser having more than one emitter, each emitter having a beam quality, M.sup.2 <2.5, at its emitting surface;
- wherein beam quality parameter, M.sup.2, satifies the relationship, M.sup.2 =.pi.W.theta./4.lambda., with W being a beam's minimum near-field diameter, .theta. being said beam's divergence angle in the far field for a specific emission wavelength .lambda.,
- beam transform optics;
- a quasi-phase matching crystal having a large nonlinear optical coversion coefficient;
- a beam combiner, whose optics multiplex said more than one emttier's beams into an output beam having a beam quality, M.sup.2.sub.n, substantially equal to or less than 2.5;
- wherein subscript, n, denotes how many emitters are present in said diode laser; and
- said elements being optically aligned and fitted in said system to achieve said beam quality.
- 2. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said crystal is a periodically poled nonlinear crystal.
- 3. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said source is a high power Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) diode laser array with each emitter having an output power, P>100 mW.
- 4. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said source is a high power tapered diode laser array with each emitter having an output power, P>100 mW.
- 5. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said source is a high power diode laser array with each emitter having an output power, P>100 mW.
- 6. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said crystal is a nonlinear crystal with at least one dichroitic coating.
- 7. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1 wherein said combiner consists of a dichroitic element, a retroreflective element, and an output window.
- 8. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 7 wherein said output window consists of a antireflective coated area where a coating that is antireflective for the converted wavelength is present.
- 9. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of said retroreflective element is an array of mirrors with curved surfaces.
- 10. A frequency conversion beam combiner system according to claim 1, wherein said beam transform optics include cylindrical and spherical lenses.
DOMESTIC PRIORITY UNDER 35 USC 119(E)
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/081271, filed Apr. 9, 1998.
US Referenced Citations (3)