Abstract: In order to achieve a high brightness optical source with both spatial size and numeric aperture ideal for fiber coupling, an assembly of multiple individually collimated laser diode chips on submount (COS) are mounted onto a common flat surface and redirected through a series of optical components. This is done in such a manner which allows for active reduction of both overall spot size and numeric aperture. This optical stacking technique achieves a high brightness source which is also suitable for directly coupling into an optical fiber, or can achieve enhanced brightness through the use of existing polarization or wavelength combining schemes prior to fiber optic coupling.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cooling an emitter bar or stacked array of emitter bars utilizing the flow of gas through cooling channels of a heat sink housing. Some embodiments may include baffle members in the cooling channels to increase the efficiency of heat transfer from the heat sink housing to the cooling gas flowing through the cooling channels.

Abstract: A means of achieving a spatially uniform output beam from a laser diode array with minimal design complexity is provided. The means is comprised of one or more optical elements located adjacent to the output of the diode array, the optical element(s) reducing the divergence of the output of the individual emitters of the diode array in at least one axis to within an acceptable range, preferably within the range of 0.1 to 10 degrees. The means is further comprised of a diffusing element, the output of the emitters passing through the optical element(s) prior to passing through the diffusing element. The diffusing element, preferably either a holographic diffuser or an engineered diffuser™ which provides control over the light diffusion angles, smoothes out the ripples formed by the overlapping output beams of the emitters in order to achieve the desired spatially uniform beam.