Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/T10725/01
Title:	Manufacture of Custom Micro-optics for High Power Diode Laser stacks by Laser Ablation
Principal Investigator:	Hall, Professor D
Other Investigators:	Baker, Professor HJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Dr R McBride
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Organisation:	Heriot-Watt University
Scheme:	Follow on Fund (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	15 June 2004	Ends:	14 December 2005	Value (£):	50,877
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Lasers & Optics Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
There is rising market demand for high power diode lasers (HPDL) for many applications including pump sources for high power solid state lasers and industrial materials processing, because of their intrinsic practical advantages of very high electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency, convenience in usage and reliability. However, their utility in many applications is significantly compromised by the poor optical quality of the beams from bars and stacks. This causes significant power transmission losses and reduces beam brightness. The project is aimed at developing a commercially viable solution to this problem, based on a technique demonstrated in an earlier Grant. This involves the accurate measurement of beam errors followed by the fabrication of custom micro-optic phaseplate to provide optical correction for the errors - spectacles for diode lasers. The objective of the 'Follow-on' project is to develop a process for fabricating custom micro-optics for HPDL beam correction with a performance that meets market requirements, at a cost that is commercially viable. In particular, we will investigate a series of technical enhancements designed to match key market performance requirements. These include ways to increase the accuracy of the laser ablation machining and the subsequent laser smoothing process, techniques to increase the cut depth to enhance optical functionality of custom micro-optics, methods to reduce the fabrication time.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.hw.ac.uk