Coherent operation of an array of diode lasers using a spatial filter in a Talbot cavity

Abstract

Coherent operation of an array of AlGaAs diode lasers was obtained by placing the array in an external cavity which made use of the Talbot self-imaging effect to couple the laser diodes together. A spatial filter was required to suppress oscillation of the highest order mode of the array. This filter introduced no significant loss to the cavity mode, and the mode was observed to be stable up to the maximum rated drive current for the device.