Sang-Ki Park

Reliability of ensembles multi-stripe laser diodes

As GaAs based laser diode reliability improves, the optimum architecture for diode pumped configurations is continually re-examined. For such assessments, e.g. bars vs. single emitters, it is important to have a metric for module reliability which enables comparisons that are the most relevant to the ultimate system reliability. We introduce the concept of mean time between emitter failures (MTBEF) as a method for characterizing and specifying the reliability of multi-emitter pumps for ensemble applications. Appropriate conditions for an MTBEF model, and the impact of incremental changes of certain conditions on the robustness of the model are described. In the limit of independent random failures of individual emitters as the dominant failure mechanism it is shown that an ensemble of multi-emitter modules can be modeled to behave like an ensemble of single emitter modules. The impact of thermal acceleration due to failed emitters warming other emitters on a shared heat-sink is considered. Data taken from SP built multi-emitter devices bonded with AuSn on CTE matched heat-sinks is compared with the MTBEF model with and without correction for the thermal acceleration effect.

Advances in high-power laser diode packaging

High-power, packaged diode-laser sources continue to evolve through co-engineering of epitaxial design, beam conditioning and thermal management. Here we review examples of improvements made to key attributes including reliable power, brightness, power per unit volume and value.

Advances in Fiber Combined Pump Modules for Fiber Lasers

Fiber combining multiple pump sources for fiber lasers has enabled the thermal and reliability advantages of distributed architectures. Recently, mini-bar based modules have been demonstrated which combine the advantages of independent emitter failures previously shown in single-stripe pumps with improved brightness retention yielding over 2 MW/cm2Sr in compact economic modules. In this work multiple fiber-coupled mini-bars are fiber combined to yield an output of over 400 W with a brightness exceeding 1 MW/cm2Sr in an economic, low loss architecture.

Power scaling of Mini-Bar based, High-Power 780-980nm Pump Modules at Spectra-Physics

Continued advances in high power diode laser technology enable new applications and enhance existing ones. Recently, mini-bar based modules have been demonstrated which combine the advantages of independent emitter failures previously shown in single-stripe architectures with the improved brightness retention enabled by multi-stripe architectures. In this work we highlight advances in a family of compact, environmentally rugged mini-bar based fiber coupled Orion modules. Advances in PCE (power conversion efficiency) and reliable operating power from a 9xx nm wavelength unit are shown from such modules. Additionally, highly reliable fiber coupled operation and performance data is demonstrated in other wavelengths in the 780 - 980 nm range. Data demonstrating the scaling this technology to 25W and higher power levels will be given.