Characteristics of multistage monolithically integrated master oscillator power amplifiers

Monolithically integrated master oscillator power amplifiers (M-MOPAs) are characterized both theoretically and experimentally. A self-consistent amplifier analysis is used to calculate the guided-mode amplified signal and amplified spontaneous emission noise powers traveling within a multiple-stage single-pass amplifier. Within a few amplifier stages, the signal power stabilizes at a level determined by the transmission between stages. Light output versus current and near-field and far-field patterns are calculated for an M-MOPA with detuned grating output couplers between stages and are compared to experiments. Coherent output powers in excess of 1 W are calculated and experimentally verified. Diffraction-limited performance has been demonstrated to output powers of 320 mW.<
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