GPU-accelerated wave-optical model for external-cavity diode lasers

Optics Letters, vol. 46, pp. 1780

Abstract

The spatial distribution of the optical feedback field in an external-cavity diode laser (ECDL) is an important parameter influencing its lifetime and filamentation. From a modeling point of view, the evaluation of the full diffraction integral is required to calculate the propagation of light through thick lenses such as fast axis collimation lenses or beam transformation systems used for high-power diode lasers. In this Letter, we illustrate an algorithm for the accelerated computation of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integral on a graphics processing unit. We further show a validation of the results by measurements on an ECDL.

Authors 4

1. Martin Adams corresponding Aachen Fraunhofer ILT—Institute for Laser Technology

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer ILT—Institute for Laser Technology

2. Carlo Holly corresponding
   Affiliation as printed

   TRUMPF Photonics Inc

   TRUMPF Photonics Inc., 2601 US Route 130, Cranbury, New Jersey 08512-5421, USA

3. Simon Rauch corresponding

   TRUMPF (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   TRUMPF Laser GmbH

   TRUMPF Laser GmbH, Aichhalder Str. 39, 78713 Schramberg, Germany

4. Martin Traub corresponding Aachen Fraunhofer ILT—Institute for Laser Technology

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer ILT—Institute for Laser Technology