Diode array package with homogeneous output

Abstract

A diode array (32) which includes a diode bar (22) having a plurality of laser diodes (42) within an active region (40) so as to emit light parallel to an optical axis (26), generally parallel to the laser diodes (42). The diode bars (22) are sandwiched between a pair of spacer layers (34, 36). Each spacer layer (34, 36) includes two or more spacers (48, 50). The spacers (48, 50) in each layer (34, 36) are configured such that gaps (52, 54) between contiguous spacers (48, 50) are at a non-parallel angle (Θ) relative to the optical axis (26) of the diode bar (22). By orienting the gaps (52, 54) between the spacers (48, 50) at non-parallel angle relative to the optical axis (26) of the laser diodes (40), the gaps (52, 54) span several laser diodes (40), thus averaging any inhomogeneous effects caused by the gaps (52, 54) resulting in a relatively more uniform output from the various laser diodes (40) forming the diode bar (22).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.