Integrated optical systems for generating an array of beam outputs

Abstract

An optical system for producing an array of single transverse mode laser beam output includes a monolithic laser array (23) having a plurality of outputs (5) in which each laser (4) is adapted for operation so as to produce a single transverse mode output; and an array of waveguides (10), the waveguide array being positioned in relation to the laser array such that each laser output from the laser array couples into an input of a respective waveguide (11) in the waveguide array, the waveguide array maintaining the single transverse mode of each laser output at a respective waveguide output to provide a single transverse mode beam output. Multiple laser arrays (23) be coupled to a single waveguide array (10) enabling the formation of very large arrays and arrays with beam pitch smaller than otherwise possible.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.