High-power laser diodes at SCD: performance and reliability for defence and space applications

High Power Laser Diode Arrays developed and produced at SCD-SemiConductor Devices support a number of advanced defence and space programs. High efficiency and unsurpassed reliability at high operating temperatures are mandatory features for those applications. We report lifetime results of high power bar stacks, operating in QCW mode that rely on a field-proven design comprising Al-free wafer material technology and hard soldering robust packaging. A variety of packaging platforms have been implemented and tested at very harsh environmental conditions. Results include a long operational lifetime study totaling 20 billion pulses monitored in the course of several years for 808 nm QCW bar stacks.. Additionally, we report results of demanding lifetime tests for space qualification performed on these stacks at different levels of current load in a unique combination with operational temperature cycles in the range of -10 ÷60 °C. Novel solutions for highly reliable water cooled devices designed for operation in long pulses at different levels of PRF, are also discussed. The cooling efficiency of microchannel coolers is preserved while reliability is improved.