High-power, low-divergence, linear array of quasi-diffraction-limited beams supplied by tapered diodes

We describe for the first time to our knowledge the performance for a linear array of tapered laser diodes with both fast- and slow-axis collimation using a microlens for fast-axis collimation and a laser-written phase plate for slow-axis collimation and correction of the residual fast-axis errors from lens aberrations, thermal lensing, astigmatism, pointing errors, and other wavefront distortions. The phase plate leads to M-2 factor reductions of 1.5 for the lensed array following the fast axis and 2.6 for the whole bar following the slow axis. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.