>3W diffraction-limited 1550 nm diode laser amplifiers for LIDAR

Abstract

Recent advancements in diffraction-limited output from tapered diode laser amplifiers represent a disruptive technology breakthrough that is poised to revolutionize the LIDAR market. Output powers which were previously only achievable using doped fiber, glass, or crystal laser architectures are now possible directly from the semiconductor chip. For example, diffraction-limited an output power of just a few watts at 1550 nm is sufficient for continuous wave frequency modulated (FMCW) automotive LIDAR. We report here a new world record of >3.0 W output power with nearly diffraction-limited beam quality (M^2 ~1.2) from a 1550 nm tapered diode laser amplifier; this source is suitable for direct use in numerous LIDAR and remote sensing applications.