Beam combining of diode laser array elements for high brightness and power

摘要

The present invention also features an external cavity laser source that includes a free space external cavity comprising a laser array, an optical element, a dispersive element, and a partially reflecting element. The laser array comprises at least two optical gain elements where each of the at least two optical gain elements generate optical radiation having a unique wavelength. The optical element has a focal plane and is positioned to substantially place the focal plane at the at least two optical gain elements and to intercept the generated optical radiation. The dispersive element is positioned substantially at the focal plane of the optical element. The partially reflecting element is positioned to intercept radiation from the dispersive element. The partially reflecting element and the gain elements together forming the free space laser cavity that defines the at least first and second wavelength.