Abstract: The present invention concerns laser diode arrays having an accurately spaced offset in the laser beams emanating from their respective laser stripes, and methods of their manufacture. The first method involves the mounting of at least two laser diodes on a submount such that the axes of the laser stripes between the two respective diodes are accurately spaced. The second method concerns the placement of a position mark on each diode at a accurate distance from the axis of the laser stripe such that the mark is easily detectable from a side view. The two diodes are then mounted with the axes of their laser stripes accurately spaced from the relative positioning of the position marks. The third method concerns the manufacture of laser diodes whose laser stripe axes are accurately spaced from at least one side edge of the diodes. The array of diodes is constructed such that the laser stripe axes are accurately spaced from each other relative to the side edges of accurate distance from their respective axes.

Abstract: Nonmonolithic laser arrays having lasing elements mounted on a composite support that enables accurate positioning and separation of the lasing elements, and that enables low thermal, optical, and electrical cross-talk. The support includes a low thermal diffusivity region surrounded by high thermal diffusivity regions which have defined mounting surfaces onto which the lasing elements mount. Heat generated in the lasing elements is conducted away by the high thermal diffusivity regions, while the low thermal diffusivity region reduces thermal cross-talk between the lasing elements. Beneficially, the support assists current flow to (or from) the lasing elements.