Low-cost diode arrays for production-scale fusion energy installations

One of the primary challenges of the Laser Inertial Fusion Engine (LIFE) project and other similar projects around the globe is the cost and availability of the laser diode arrays needed to pump the solid-state laser gain media in the system. Current projections indicate that the arrays need to be available for approximately one cent per Watt of output power, which is one to two orders of magnitude cheaper than currently available. In order to meet these requirements in a time frame that matches those laid out by several governmental emergency agencies, the laser diode industry must immediately embark on a decade-long effort in the following areas: technology (device) development, packaging development, and scaling for manufacturing. This work will place special attention on diode array designs that could be used for the LIFE project, but other (European) projects will be investigated as well.