Two-dimensional laser system employing two dispersive elements

Abstract

An apparatus and method for two-dimensional wavelength beam combining of a plurality of laser sources. In one embodiment, an external cavity multi-wavelength laser comprises an array of laser gain elements, two optical transform lenses, two dispersive elements, an imaging system, a deflective array, and an output coupler. First and second optical transform lenses spatially overlap optical beams in first and second dimensions forming regions of overlap at the first and second dispersive elements. The deflective array comprises a plurality of mirrors wherein each mirror deflects and rearranges the optical beams from a common row. The dispersive elements introduce wavelength discrimination that when combined with the output coupler, provide the required feedback gain. The output coupler creates a single output port for the plurality of external optical cavities established in unison with the plurality of laser emitters. The output coupler transmits a multi-wavelength output beam comprising spatially overlapped coaxial optical beams.