Compact hybrid master oscillator power amplifier with 3.1-W CW output power at wavelengths around 1061 nm

A hybrid master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser source has been realized by coupling a single-mode three-section distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser as master oscillator and a tapered power amplifier with a single lens only. A maximum continuous-wave optical output power of 3.1 W was achieved. The emission spectrum was completely determined by the DBR laser. Single longitudinal mode operation at a wavelength of /spl lambda/=1061 nm was maintained over the whole power range. Up to an output power of 1.8 W, the beam propagation factor M/sup 2/was less than 1.6.