We describe the successful use of wavefront compensator phaseplates to extend the locking range of VHG-stabilized diode laser bars by correcting the effects of imperfect source collimation. We first show that smile values of greater than 1μm peak to valley typically limit the achievable wavelength locking range, and that using wavefront compensation to reduce the effective smile to below 0.5μm allows all emitters to be simultaneously locked, even for bars with standard facet coatings, operating under conditions where the bar's natural lasing wavelength is over 9nm from the VHG locking wavelength. We then show that, even under conditions of low smile, wavefront errors can limit the locking range and locking efficiency, and that these limits can again be overcome by wavefront compensation. This allows wavelength lock to be maintained over an increased range of diode temperature and drive current, without incurring the efficiency loss that would be incurred by increasing grating strength. By integrating wavefront compensation into the slow-axis collimator, we can achieve this high-brightness VHG-optimized beam in a compact optical system.

Date Published: 25 May 2011
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 8039, Laser Technology for Defense and Security VII, 80390F (25 May 2011);

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8039:
Laser Technology for Defense and Security VII
Mark Dubinskii; Stephen G. Post, Editor(s)