System and method for optimizing the performance of multiple gain element laser

A method for combining a plurality of output beams, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing an array of gain elements to produce output beams with each gain element of said array of gain elements possessing a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface defining resonant wavelengths;
• operating said array of gain element in an external cavity, said external cavity combining output beams from said array of gain elements;
• and
• providing feedback to each gain element of said array of gain elements, said feedback provided to each gain element containing at least one wavelength that substantially coincides with a resonant wavelength of said resonant wavelengths,
• wherein each gain element receives a spectrally unique range of wavelengths as feedback, wherein said resonant wavelengths define a free spectral range, and wherein said step of providing feedback causes said range of wavelengths to be at least as great as said free spectral range.

An incoherently beam combined laser, comprising:

• a plurality of gain elements for generating output beams wherein each gain element is bounded by a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface to cause each gain element to possess sufficient finesse to define resonant and strongly rejected non-resonant wavelengths;
• and
• a multiplexing unit being operable to combine output beams from said plurality of gain elements as a multi-wavelength beam, said multiplexing unit being operable to demultiplex a reflected beam from a partially reflective component as feedback beams, and said multiplexing unit being operable to direct said feedback beams to said plurality of gain elements, each of said feedback beams possessing at least one wavelength that substantially coincides with a resonant wavelength of said resonant wavelengths,
• wherein each feedback beam comprises a center wavelength, and wherein each of said gain element is positioned in an array such that each center wavelength is approximately equal to a resonant wavelength of said resonant wavelengths.