Method and system for homogenizing diode laser pump arrays

摘要

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%.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating a diffractive homogenizer, the method comprising:
providing a partially transmissive optical element having a predetermined grayscale intensity pattern thereon; providing a transparent optical element; directing UV radiation through the partially transmissive optical element to impinge on the transparent optical element; exposing a predetermined portion of the transparent optical element to the UV radiation; and thermally treating the transparent optical element to produce the diffractive homogenizer characterized by a continuously varying index of refraction profile as a function of position within the transparent optical element.