Coherent beam addition of GaAlAs lasers by binary phase gratings

A general technique for combining laser beams coherently using binary gratings has been developed. Experiments were performed with lasers from a monolithic linear GaAlAs array. The grating transmittance profile was designed to convert the light beams from the array into a single beam with high effic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 1986-04, Vol.48 (14), p.888-890
Main Authors: LEGER, J. R, SWANSON, G. J, VELDKAMP, W. B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Lasers
Optics
Physics
Semiconductor lasers
laser diodes
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Summary:A general technique for combining laser beams coherently using binary gratings has been developed. Experiments were performed with lasers from a monolithic linear GaAlAs array. The grating transmittance profile was designed to convert the light beams from the array into a single beam with high efficiency. Optical feedback through the grating locked the lasers together in proper relative phase. The far-field diffraction pattern of the sum was practically identical in shape to that of a single laser. Coupling efficiencies greater than 80% appear to be feasible with this technique. The method is applicable to a variety of laser systems (gas, solid state, etc.) and is readily extendable to a two-dimensional array of lasers.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.96648