635 nm tapered diode lasers with more than 2000 h operation at 500 mW output power

High radiance red-emitting light sources are required for several laser applications such as flying-spot-displays or high-resolution microscopy. As many of such applications are moving out of the lab into industrial environment there is a high demand for small sized, efficient and reliable laser sources, for which semiconductor lasers are preferred. The red-emitting tapered diode lasers presented here, emit up to 1 W of optical power with a nearly diffraction limited beam at 635 nm. A preliminary lifetime test yielded more than 2000 h at a power level of 500 mW.