2D high power laser diode arrays for solid-state laser driver inertial fusion energy project

2D arrays of laser diodes were developed and investigated under QCW operati ng conditions. Output power and energy density up to 1 kW/cm(2) and 0.35 J/ cm(2) (at pulse duration 0.5 ms) were measured at the wavelength 810 nm. Th e spectral composition of radiation, shape of the output pulses, and far-fi eld and near-field radiation zones were examined under various pumping para meters. The kinetics of the temperature profiles in monolithic QCW AlGaAs/G aAs linear bars and 2D arrays, emitting at the wavelength 810 nm was modele d numerically. Quasi-CW and CW operation under various pump parameters:were considered as a function of a heat,sink,design. A calculation model was us ed to interpret the experimental dependences of the output parameters of th e arrays on the pump conditions for application in the solid-state laser dr iver project. The limit of total power conversion efficiency of diode laser s was analyzed in respect of the threshold current density, series resistan ce and external differential quantum efficiency. The estimated maximum valu e of 75% was obtained for the present technological level of the diode lase rs production. The corresponding limit of the output optical power density of 2D laser array was defined around 10 kW/cm(2).