High-power laser packaging utilizing carbon nanotubes and partially reflective output coupler

A wavelength beam combining laser system comprising:

• a beam emitter configured to simultaneously emit a plurality of discrete beams and having first and second opposed surfaces;
• focusing optics for focusing the plurality of beams onto a dispersive element;
• the dispersive element for receiving and dispersing the received focused beams;
• a partially reflective output coupler positioned to receive the dispersed beams, transmit a portion of the dispersed beams therethrough as a multi-wavelength output beam, and reflect a second portion of the dispersed beams back toward the dispersive element;
• a first electrode mount disposed proximate the first surface of the beam emitter;
• and
• a thermal bonding layer disposed between the beam emitter and first electrode mount, the thermal bonding layer improving thermal conduction between the beam emitter and the first electrode mount,
• wherein the thermal bonding layer comprises (i) an array of carbon nanotubes, (ii) a first metallic bonding material disposed between the array of carbon nanotubes and the beam emitter, and (iii) a second metallic bonding material disposed between the array of carbon nanotubes and the first electrode mount, and
• wherein the first metallic bonding material comprises a first layer of at least one of In, Sn, AuSn, or InSn, the first layer being in direct contact with the array of carbon nanotubes and the beam emitter.