title: High-power pulsed-current-mode operation of an overdriven tapered amplifier.
abstract: We experimentally investigate the performance of a commercial tapered amplifier diode operating in a pulsed-current mode with a peak current that is significantly higher than the specified maximum continuous current. For a tapered amplifier rated at 500 mW of continuous power, we demonstrate 2.6 W of peak optical output power with 15 mW of injection light for 200 micros, 7 A current pulses. Different failure mechanisms for the tapered amplifier, including thermal and optical damage, are identified under these conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. ktakase@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takase
authors.forename: John K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Stockton
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kasevich