METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A PLURALITY OF LASER DIODES

摘要

The laser diodes (2) of a light source (1), which may be coupled to an optical fibre (4) are operated by a microprocessor (10) and driver (11) such that the number of diodes (2) activated depends on the desired power of the output beam (6), as input via input means (12). Preferably, the number of diodes (2) activated is chosen such that each activated diode (2) operates at its optimal demand (about 75 %). The diodes (2) may be selected on the basis of which have been used the least and/or to produce an output beam (6) of desired configuration, e.g. shape or intensity profile. The demands on the diodes (2) may take account of losses in the system, and a check may be made to ensure that the desired output power will be produced by the selected diodes (2) at the selected demands. Damaged diodes (2) are either not used, or only used if the combination of all the undamaged diodes (2) is insufficient.