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 fullbar 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 m core fiber. This research opens new possibilities for future WBC system design and development using full-bar diode laser stacks.