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In a very comprehensive way this book covers all aspects of high power diode laser technology for materials processing. Basics as well as new application oriented results obtained in a government funded national German research project are described in detail. Along the technological chain after a short introduction in the second chapter diode laser bar technology is discussed regarding structure, manufacturing technology and metrology. The third chapter illuminates all aspects of mounting and cooling, whereas chapter four gives wide spanning details on beam forming, beam guiding and beam combination, which are essential topics for incoherently coupled multi-emitter based high power diode lasers. Metrology, standards and safety aspects are the theme of chapter five. As an outcome of all the knowledge from chapter two to four various system configurations of high power diode lasers are described in chapter six; not only systems focussed on best available beam quality but especially also so called "modular" set-ups are considered, where assemblies adapted to special applications are chosen. Finally, a wide field of applications, performed with the systems described in chapter six is described in chapter seven.
About the author
Prof. Dr. Reinhart Poprawe holds an M. A. in Physics from California State University (Fresno, 1977). After completion of his diploma and PhD in Physics (Darmstadt 1984) he joined the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Aachen, where he began working as head of the department "Laser Oriented Process Development." From 1988 to 1996 he served as managing director of Thyssen Laser Technik GmbH in Aachen. Since then he has been managing director of the Fraunhofer ILT and holds the University Chair for Laser Technology at the RWTH Aachen.
Summary
This book summarizes a five year research project, as well as subsequent results regarding high power diode laser systems and their application in materials processing. The text explores the entire chain of technology, from the semiconductor technology, through cooling mounting and assembly, beam shaping and system technology, to applications in the processing of such materials as metals and polymers. Includes theoretical models, a range of important parameters and practical tips.
