Chances and limitations of high-power diode lasers

Friedrich G. Bachmann

doi:10.1117/12.528657

1 June 2004 Chances and limitations of high-power diode lasers

Friedrich G. Bachmann

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5336, High-Power Diode Laser Technology and Applications II; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.528657
Event: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2004, San Jose, Ca, United States

Abstract

Great expectations were expressed about the future of high power diode lasers for direct materials processing applications, when they have been introduced in the mid-nineties. Nevertheless, based on their technology, there are physical limitations, especially if beam quality is considered: Kilowatt power must be generated from individual elements, which do not provide more than a few watts for the time being, if they shall last for a reasonable time; such elements are incoherently combined. In this article the technology will be analyzed about their potential and a comparison with "conventional" high power lasers will be performed. Fortunately not all laser materials processing techniques require extremely high power density, i.e. high beam quality, but rather need a larger spot or a spot with a special shape. Such applications are the niches for the highly efficient and reliable diode lasers. In this context, high power diode lasers have proven to be a perfect supplement to the existing CO₂ and Nd:YAG materials processing lasers rather than a competitor for them.

Citation Download Citation

Friedrich G. Bachmann "Chances and limitations of high-power diode lasers", Proc. SPIE 5336, High-Power Diode Laser Technology and Applications II, (1 June 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.528657

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