Carlo Holly

High-power dense wavelength division multiplexing of multimode diode laser radiation based on volume Bragg gratings

We present a dense wavelength division multiplexer based on volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) with a channel spacing of Δλ = 1.5 nm. Multiplexing efficiencies of ηSM = 97% have been demonstrated with single-mode, frequency-stabilized diode laser radiation. By use of VBGs in an external-cavity laser we constrict the spectral bandwidth of passively cooled multimode diode laser bars with 19 broad-area emitters to δλ95% = 120 pm. When the multimode high-power diode laser radiation with a beam propagation factor of M(2) ≈ 45 is overlaid, the multiplexing efficiency decreases to ηMM = 85%. Temperature control of the VBGs expands the high-efficiency operation range.

Simulation of spectral stabilization of high-power broad-area edge emitting semiconductor lasers.

The simulation of spectral stabilization of broad-area edge-emitting semiconductor diode lasers is presented in this paper. In the reported model light-, temperature- and charge carrier-distributions are solved iteratively in frequency domain for transverse slices along the semiconductor heterostructure using wide-angle finite-difference beam propagation. Depending on the operating current the laser characteristics are evaluated numerically, including near- and far-field patterns of the astigmatic laser beam, optical output power and the emission spectra, with central wavelength and spectral width. The focus of the model lies on the prediction of influences on the spectrum and power characteristics by frequency selective feedback from external optical resonators. Results for the free running and the spectrally stabilized diode are presented.

Brightness and average power as driver for advancements in diode lasers and their applications

Spatial and spectral emission characteristics and efficiency of high-power diode laser (HPDL) based pump sources enable and define the performance of the fundamental solid state laser concepts like disk, fiber and slab lasers. HPDL are also established as a versatile tool for direct materials processing substituting other laser types like CO2 lasers and lamp pumped solid state lasers and are starting to substitute even some of the diode pumped solid state lasers. Both, pumping and direct applications will benefit from the further improvement of the brightness and control of the output spectrum of HPDL. While edge emitting diodes are already established, a new generation of vertical emitting diode lasers (VCSELs) made significant progress and provides easy scalable output power in the kW range. Beneficial properties are simplified beam shaping, flexible control of the temporal and spatial emission, compact design and low current operation. Other characteristics like efficiency and brightness of VCSELs are still lagging behind the edge emitter performance. Examples of direct applications like surface treatment, soldering, welding, additive manufacturing, cutting and their requirements on the HPDL performance are presented. Furthermore, an overview on process requirements and available as well as perspective performance of laser sources is derived.

High-power dense wavelength division multiplexing (HP-DWDM) of frequency stabilized 9xx diode laser bars with a channel spacing of 1.5 nm

We present a compact High-Power DenseWavelength Division Multiplexer (HP-DWDM) based on Volume Bragg Gratings (VBGs) for spectrally stabilized diode lasers with a low average beam quality M2 ≤50. The center wavelengths of the five input channels with a spectral spacing of 1.5 nm are 973 nm, 974.5 nm, 976 nm, 977.5 nm and 979 nm. Multiplexing efficiencies of 97%±2% have been demonstrated with single mode, frequency stabilized laser radiation. Since the diffraction efficiency strongly depends on the beam quality, the multiplexing efficiency decreases to 94% (M2 = 25) and 85%±3% (M2 = 45) if multimode radiation is overlaid. Besides, the calculated multiplexing efficiency of the radiation with M2 = 45 amounts to 87:5 %. Thus, calculations and measurements are in good agreement. In addition, we developed a dynamic temperature control for the multiplexing VBGs which adapts the Bragg wavelengths to the diode laser center wavelengths. In short, the prototype with a radiance of 70GWm-2 sr-1 consists of five spectrally stabilized and passively cooled diode laser bars with 40Woutput after beam transformation. To achieve a good stabilization performance ELOD (Extreme LOw Divergence) diode laser bars have been chosen in combination with an external resonator based on VBGs. As a result, the spectral width defined by 95% power inclusion is < 120pm for each beam source across the entire operating range from 30 A to 120 A. Due to the spectral stabilization, the output power of each bar decreases in the range of < 5 %.

Automated alignment of fast-axis collimator lenses for high-power diode laser bars

The active alignment of fast axis collimator lenses (FAC) is the most challenging part in the manufacturing process of optical systems based on high power diode laser bars. This is due to the high positioning accuracy in up to 5 degrees of freedom and the complex relations between FAC misalignment and properties of the resulting power density distribution. In this paper an experimental approach for FAC alignment automation is presented. The alignment algorithm is derived from a beam propagation model based on wave optics. The model delivers explicit relations between FAC misalignment and properties of the distorted power density distribution in the near and far field. The model allows to calculate the FAC misalignments and to correct them in one or multiple steps. The alignment algorithm is tested with a demonstrator system. The demonstrator contains an optical system which allows a real time analysis of the near field and far field power distribution of individual emitters. For the tests two different types of FAC lenses and high power diode laser bars are used. The FAC lenses are prealigned within a range of ±50 μm and 0.5 degree around the suitable position. During the automated alignment process the translational and rotational remaining misalignment and the properties of the far field power density distribution are recorded. The experimental results are evaluated regarding reliability and flexibility of the presented FAC alignment algorithm.

High-power dense wavelength division multiplexer (HP-DWDM) for diode lasers using volume Bragg gratings (VBG)

A diode laser prototype based on a compact dense wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM) for diode laser bars with low average beam quality (M2 = 45) is presented. The prototype with a radiance of 70 GW/(m2sr) (without polarization coupling, at an injection current of I = 120 A) consists of five spectrally stabilized and passively cooled diode laser bars with the center wavelengths 973 nm, 974.5 nm, 976 nm, 977.5 nm and 979 nm. To achieve a good stabilization performance ELOD (Extreme LOw Divergence) diode laser bars have been chosen. The spectral width defined by 95 % power inclusion is <; 0.6 nm for each beam source across the entire operating range from 30 A to 120 A. Due to the spectral stabilization the output power of each bar changes in the range of ± 5 %. Near the threshold current and at high injection currents (100 A to 120 A) the output power of the stabilized diode laser bar slightly increases compared to the free running diode laser. A beam transformation with a pair of step mirrors adapts the beam quality in both axes before the radiation enters the multiplexer. In summary, compared to state-of-the-art high-power multiplexing modules, the study showed an increased the total efficiency in combination with a reduction of the center wavelength spacing to 1.5 nm.

kW-class direct diode laser for sheet metal cutting based on commercial pump modules

We present a direct diode laser with an optical output power of more than 800 W ex 100 μm with an NA of 0.17. The system is based on 6 commercial pump modules that are wavelength stabilized by use of VBGs. Dielectric filters are used for coarse and dense wavelength multiplexing. Metal sheet cutting tests were performed in order to prove system performance and reliability. Based on a detailed analysis of loss mechanisms, we show that the design can be easily scaled to output powers in the range of 2 kW and to an optical efficiency of 80%.