Design and Experimental Study of Wavelength Beam Combining System Using Full-Bar Diode Laser Stacks

Wavelength beam combining technology plays an important role in generating high-brightness laser beams at high-power levels. This technology is used for various applications, including military and industrial manufacturing. Recent studies have demonstrated the system using mini-bar diode laser stacks, which offer superior optical performance but suffer from pricey, customized fabrication and possibly intense thermal loads. Hence, we offer a suitable alternative approach by incorporating full-bar diode laser stacks, which are relatively cost-effective, off-the-shelf, and easy to manufacture, making the frameworks more amenable to mass production. However, this framework needs further development due to the higher smile effect in the full-bar stacks. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate this idea with a 213 W output power at a central wavelength of 975 nm. Moreover, although the degradation caused by the smile and thermo-optical effects, its preserved beam quality is most prominent in its availability of applied to couple into a
$105~\mu \text{m}$
core fiber. This research opens new possibilities for future WBC system design and development using full-bar diode laser stacks.