2D arrays of laser diodes were developed and investigated
under QCW operating conditions. Output power and energy
density up to 1 kW/cm2 and 0.45 J/cm2
(at pulse duration 0.5 ms) were measured at the wavelength
810 nm. The spectral composition of radiation, shape of
the output pulses, and far-field and near-field radiation
zones were examined under various pumping parameters. The
kinetics of the temperature profiles in monolithic QCW
AlGaAs/GaAs linear bars and 2D arrays, emitting at the
wavelength 810 nm was modeled numerically. Quasi-CW and
CW operation under various pump parameters were considered
as a function of a heat sink design. A calculation model
was used to interpret the experimental dependences of the
output parameters of the arrays on the pump conditions
for application in the solid-state laser driver project.
The limit of total power conversion efficiency of diode
lasers was analyzed in respect of the threshold current
density, series resistance and external differential quantum
efficiency. The estimated maximum value of 75% was obtained
for the present technological level of the diode lasers
production. The corresponding limit of the output optical
power density of 2D laser array was defined around 10 kW/cm2.