2.3 Micron High Power Continuous Wave Diode Laser Arrays

The goal of this project has been the creation of high power laser diode arrays emitting at 2.3 microns. We have achieved that goal with the design fabrication and characterization of laser bars with unprecedented output power and brightness. We have demonstrated quasicontinuous qCW wave output powers of 16.7 W from a single 4 mm laser bar. An initial slope efficiency of 0.235 WA and a threshold current of 6.9 A were demonstrated. Scaled to the industry standard 10 mm laser bar length, this device would have produced 41.75 W of qCW output power at 18 deg. C. This report identifies the key advancements made during the course of this research effort.