Improving Reliability of High Power Quasi-CW Laser Diode Arrays Operating in Long Pulse ModeOperating high power laser diode arrays in long pulse regime of about 1 msec, which is required for pumping 2-micron thulium and holmium-based lasers, greatly limits their useful lifetime. This paper describes performance of laser diode arrays operating in long pulse mode and presents experimental data of the active region temperature and pulse-to-pulse thermal cycling that are the primary cause of their premature failure and rapid degradation. This paper will then offer a viable approach for determining the optimum design and operational parameters leading to the maximum attainable lifetime.
Document ID
20060048507
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Amzajerdian, Farzin (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Meadows, Byron L. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Barnes, Bruce W. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Lockard, George E. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Singh, Upendra N. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Kavaya, Michael J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Baker, Nathaniel R. (Lockheed Martin Engineering and Sciences Co. Hampton, VA, United States)