Power scaling diode lasers to high-brightness kW systems

The scalability of semiconductor diode lasers to multi-kilowatt power levels has increasing importance in direct diode material processing applications. These applications require hard-pulse on-off cycling capability and high brightness. Using water-cooled semiconductor laser bars, the Highlight D-series achieves >8kW of power in a <; 1mm × 6mm beam line at a working distance of ~ 280mm. The good thermal performance of water-cooled packages allows for scaling to operation at higher powers and brightness.