Wavelength stabilized diode laser based devices free of power or efficiency penalties

Abstract

Spectrally-narrowed semiconductor laser diodes utilizing external volume gratings can be used to improve TEM00 power scaling and power conversion efficiency in diode-pumped solid state and fiber lasers. This approach is particularly attractive for pumping the narrow upper laser level of Nd:YAG DPSS lasers at 885 nm and the 1532 nm absorption band of Er:YAG DPSS lasers. While it is often believed that the use of such external gratings to wavelength lock diode lasers lead to unavoidable losses in power and efficiency, nLIGHT's proprietary laser designs and external volume grating integration techniques have eliminated these losses in our wavelength-locked diode laser products, enabling a broad range of spectrally locked laser diodes for pumping DPSS as well as fiber laser systems.

Diode lasers: From laboratory to industry

“…Seurin et al [90] discussed recent developments of kW-class VCSEL pumps, an emerging candidate as pumps for solid-state lasers. Whereas, nLIGHT′s proprietary diode laser design with external volume gratings for improving power conversion efficiency in DPSSLs and for enhancing TEM 00 power scaling; proved an attractive approach to pump the narrow 885 nm upper laser level of Nd:YAG laser and absorption band of Er:YAG laser at 1532 nm [91].…”