Abstract

High-power laser diodes first gained interest as pump sources for solid-state lasers, with cost/watt and reliability as the primary market drivers. In recent years, new markets have been opened by increases in the brightness of the laser diode sources and by advances in the optical systems for beam shaping and combining. The work in this chapter is motivated by the development of high-brightness laser diodes for direct-diode laser systems targeting industrial applications and a desire to illustrate the important role of laser simulation tools at both the device and system level. Traditionally, welding and sheet metal cutting are the most lucrative industrial laser markets, but they are also the most demanding in terms of brightness. Laser additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser melting, are also quickly becoming a reality and allow the fabrication of structures that cannot be made by traditional means. Their automated nature is opening the door to new manufacturing paradigms.