Abstract: A system configured to generate an optical beam from a fiber laser is presented. The system includes a fiber gain medium having a core and a cladding, the core being configured to convert radiation from a pump beam into an output beam, the cladding having a mode propagating section and a mode stripping section bounded on a near end and a distal end by the mode propagating section, the mode stripping section of the cladding being configured to scatter excess pump radiation received from the mode propagating section in a substantially outwardly radial direction. The system also includes a rigid support member into which the fiber gain medium is placed, the rigid support member completely encompassing the mode stripping section of the cladding and joined to the fiber at the mode propagating section of the cladding.

Abstract: A system configured to generate an optical beam from a fiber laser is presented. The system includes a fiber gain medium having a core and a cladding, the core being configured to convert radiation from a pump beam into an output beam, the cladding having a mode propagating section and a mode stripping section bounded on a near end and a distal end by the mode propagating section, the mode stripping section of the cladding being configured to scatter excess pump radiation received from the mode propagating section in a substantially outwardly radial direction. The system also includes a rigid support member into which the fiber gain medium is placed, the rigid support member completely encompassing the mode stripping section of the cladding and joined to the fiber at the mode propagating section of the cladding.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: A zig-zag laser has the ability to generate a high power beam while effectively removing heat without degrading the beam quality. The laser has a series of gaps interposed between the thin slabs, the gain medium, and between the thin slabs and the quartz windows to receive coolant and cool the cell assembly. The coolant flows transversely relative to the path of the laser and the flow of the coolant is in the opposite direction on each side of the thin slab to minimize the temperature gradient. The gaps in conjunction with the inner channel portions in the secondary manifold flow the coolant through the cell assembly in a laminar manner therein not degrading the laser beam quality. A transparent quartz/quartz interface between the secondary manifold and the cell assembly allow the fluorescence to move away from the cell assembly and minimizes heat in the cell assembly.

Abstract: Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) ducts are disclosed for use with various gain media. An ASE duct may be configured and arranged to remove ASE from solid state or liquid gain media and transmit the ASE to an exterior optical medium. The refractive index of an ASE duct is selected as desired based on the refractive index of a gain medium and an exterior optical medium. An ASE duct may include first and second boundary surfaces joined at a vertex having an included angle that allows ASE (light) reflected off on one boundary surface to be incident on the another boundary surface at less than the critical angle and transmitted outside of the ASE duct. Laser systems using ASE ducts and methods of using and manufacturing ASE ducts are disclosed.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer, and one or more semiconductor active regions. An optical resonator is formed by the inclusion of a first mirror and a second mirror at opposite ends of the structure with respect to the optical axis. One or more angled facets provide the semiconductor structure with optical coupling. The associated beam path along an optical axis within the structure is a zigzag path, which is substantially independent of the height of the active region. A signal generator and an optical amplifier may be formed with the structure. An optical modulator, multiplexer, and demultiplexer may also use the structure.