Catastrophic optical degradation of the output facet of high-power single-transverse-mode diode lasers. 1. Physical model

The physical model of catastrophic optical degradation (COD) of the output facet of high-power single- transverse-mode diode lasers is developed. The model excels other models both in completeness of the physical analysis of the processes leading to COD and in allowance for design feature of lasers used to increase the COD threshold — protective coating of the output facet and current limitations near it.