Development trends of new high-power laser sources

The various developments and concepts of new high power lasers, are described. One significant advantage of fiber lasers is the inherent high beam quality. The use of single emitters, which are used in industrially available fiber lasers, calculate to a necessity of approx. 1600 modules to achieve a beam power of 4 kW. The concept of modular diode laser systems (MDS)/14/opens the prospect of generating process adapted beam shapes. The new perspectives of laser technology regarding reduction of process dynamics, enhancement of process reliability, minimization of distortion and cost-saving.