Abstract

Phase-locked semiconductor diode laser arrays are capable of emitting light at high power in low divergence beams. Moreover, because of their small size and high electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency, these devices have many applications. The presentation begins with a review of semiconductor diode lasers and the principles of phased arrays. Various experiments relating to the lasers themselves and to their operation in external cavities are reviewed and the theory of their operation and conditions needed to favor lasing in a desired array mode (supermode) is discussed. The talk concludes with recent results concerning reliability.

© 1985 Optical Society of America