AlGaAs/InGaAs 980 nm slab-coupled semiconductor lasers with single-spatial, large diameter mode

We recently proposed a new class of semiconductor diode laser, the slab-coupled optical waveguide laser (SCOWL) that offers several advantages for single-spatial mode, high-output power devices. Mode filtering due to slab coupling of higher-order modes allows for a much larger single mode and a lower density at the facets, and the low loss permits die construction of long devices that reduce beat dissipation in the device at high power operation. In addition, SCOWL devices can be designed such that the spatial mode profile is nearly circular, allowing for high-coupling efficiency butt coupling (without the use of lenses) to single-mode fibers.