Paper 14110-14
Paper 14110-14
Understanding multi‑kW diode laser pump delivery in amplifiers via data‑validated ray tracing
15 April 2026 • 16:30 - 16:50 CEST | Madrid 1/Salon 3 (Niveau/Level 0)
Abstract
Ray tracing enables accurate design, optimization, and tolerance analysis of complex optical systems but relies on accurate beam source modelling. Diode lasers, though efficient and compact, exhibit highly complex spatial, angular, spectral, and polarization behaviour due to emitter geometry and packaging-induced thermo-mechanical stress. This work presents multi-layer characterization of laser diode stacks, bars, and single emitters to generate digital shadows that capture these effects. The resulting source models significantly improve ray-tracing predictions, demonstrated on an ILT-designed pump engine for a satellite-based Doppler wind lidar using eight polarization-coupled high-power diode stacks with more than 9 kW peak power.
Presenter
Lucas Warnecke
Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik ILT (Germany), RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany)
Lucas Warnecke studied Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University with a semester abroad at the University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute in Shanghai. In his master’s program, he specialized in Optical Technologies and wrote his thesis in the group "Optics Design and Diode Lasers" at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT. After completing his degree, he joined the group as a research assistant and is pursuing his doctoral degree. His work focuses on ray-tracing-based methods for modeling laser sources, as well as optical design and approaches for its automation.