System and method for optimizing the performance of multiple gain element laser

摘要

The present invention is directed to a system and method which utilize an incoherently beam combined (IBC) laser. The IBC laser includes a plurality of emitters with each of the emitters possessing a partially reflective surface on their front facet. The partially reflective surface causes resonant wavelengths to be defined. In certain embodiments, the system and method arrange the external cavity and emitter spacings of the IBC laser such that the center feedback wavelength provided to each emitter is an etalon resonant wavelength. In other embodiments, the range of feedback wavelengths is adapted so that it is greater than the free spectral range (the separation in wavelength space between adjacent etalon resonant wavelengths).