Laser diode module with integral cooling

A method of constructing a laser module and connecting an optical fiber thereto comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a first body section having a laser diode array rigidly attached thereto and a liquid coolant channel in thermal relation with said diode array through which coolant may be circulated;
• b) providing a second body section having a lens subassembly rigidly attached thereto and means for removably coupling an optical fiber to said second body section;
• c) activating said laser diode array to project laser energy from said array through said lens subassembly;
• d) monitoring the output of said lens subassembly;
• e) optically aligning said first and second body sections based on the output of said lens subassembly;
• f) rigidly securing said first and second body sections in said optically aligned state to create a fixed optical path;
• and
• g) connecting an optical fiber to the optical path via said coupling means, whereby the optical fiber is correctly aligned with said optical path.