Protection circuitry for high-power diode laser arrays

A comprehensive protection scheme is presented for use with high-power (;500 W dc input! diode laser arrays. The circuitry requires no separate power, using instead the voltage from the laser's power supply. Overcurrent and overvoltage silicon controlled rectifier crowbars are the primary protection circuits. In addition, tripping of either crowbar will turn off the main power to the laser's power supply. This feature makes use of a main power controller that incorporates two interlock loops, for protection against overtemperature, low coolant flow, undervoltage, and other undesirable conditions.