A LASER DIODE WITH AN AMPLIFICATION SECTION THAT HAS A VARYING INDEX OF REFRACTION

摘要

A high powered laser diode that includes a pumped stripe section with a varying index of refraction. The varying index of refraction can reduce the self-focusing phenomenon found in high powered laser diodes in the prior art, thereby providing a high quality output beam. The index of refraction can vary from one side of the pumped stripe section to the other side of the pumped stripe section. The index can be varied by varying a structural characteristic of the pumped stripe section such as the doping or thickness of the layers within the laser diode. A thermal gradient can be created across the pumped stripe section to vary the index of refraction. The thermal gradient can be created by integrating a heating element along one side of the pumped stripe section or creating unequal current flow through the pumped stripe section.