Abstract
Substantial progress has been made overseas in high power laser diode arrays. Recent progress in high power laser diodes and two-dimensional high power laser diode arrays is reviewed. The technical development of high power, high efficient, one-and two-dimensional diode arrays has enabled the development of several kilowatt class laser diode systems for direct materials processing. In the near future, a centimeter long diode bar array of l k W power, with 80% efficiency, and a lifetime in excess of 40,000 hours will be realized.