Title: Method and system for homogenizing diode laser pump arrays

Abstract

An optical amplifier system includes a diode pump array including a plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars disposed in an array configuration and characterized by a periodic distance between adjacent semiconductor diode laser bars. The periodic distance is measured in a first direction perpendicular to each of the plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars. The diode pump array provides a pump output propagating along an optical path and characterized by a first intensity profile measured as a function of the first direction and having a variation greater than 10%. The optical amplifier system also includes a diffractive optic disposed along the optical path. The diffractive optic includes a photo-thermo-refractive glass member. The optical amplifier system further includes an amplifier slab having an input face and position along the optical path and separated from the diffractive optic by a predetermined distance. A second intensity profile measured at the input face of the amplifier slab as a function of the first direction has a variation less than 10%.

Inventors:

Bayramian, Andrew James

Issue Date:

Tue May 03 00:00:00 EDT 2016

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1250437

Patent Number(s):

9331452

Application Number:

13/911,787

Assignee:

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02B - OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

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G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02B - OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS

G02B19/0014 - {at least one surface having optical power}
G02B19/0057 - {in the form of a laser diode array, e.g. laser diode bar
G02B19/0095 - {for use with ultra-violet radiation}
G02B27/0922 - {the semiconductor light source comprising an array of light emitters}
G02B27/0927 - {Systems for changing the beam intensity distribution, e.g. Gaussian to top-hat}
G02B27/0944 - {Diffractive optical elements, e.g. gratings, holograms
G02B5/1857 - {using exposure or etching means, e.g. holography, photolithography, exposure to electron or ion beams}

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

H01S3/005 - {Optical devices external to the laser cavity, specially adapted for lasers, e.g. for homogenisation of the beam or for manipulating laser pulses, e.g. pulse shaping
H01S3/0606 - {with polygonal cross-section, e.g. slab, prism
H01S3/094049 - {Guiding of the pump light}
H01S3/094053 - {Fibre coupled pump, e.g. delivering pump light using a fibre or a fibre bundle}
H01S3/10023 - {by functional association of additional optical elements, e.g. filters, gratings, reflectors}
H01S3/2308 - {Amplifier arrangements, e.g. MOPA}
H01S5/02476 - {Heat spreaders, i.e. improving heat flow between laser chip and heat dissipating elements}
H01S5/4012 - {Beam combining, e.g. by the use of fibres, gratings, polarisers, prisms}
H01S5/405 - {Two-dimensional arrays}

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

Y10T29/49 - Method of mechanical manufacture

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2013 Jun 06

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING; 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE