High Brightness 2.1 μm Direct-Diode Laser Module

Abstract

Direct diode lasers at 2 pm provide the opportunity for more compact sources that can perform similar tasks that are currently undertaken by solid state lasers operating in this wavelength [1]. Infrared countermeasure, gas detection and atmospheric sensing are but a few examples [2]. A high brightness mid-infrared direct-diode laser diode module is presented as a compact source for atmospheric propagation. Optomechanical design enables spatial beam combining to produce excellent combined beam quality deteriorating based only on the performance of each emitter and number of emitters used. The following study showcases the optomechanical design and development of six one-tab C-mount GaSb 2.1 μm single emitter diodes in a module featuring a right-angled staircase spatial beam combining technique.