Emitter size

Can anyone tell me (or point me to some reading) what effect changing the emitter size has on the characteristics of a laser diode/beam?

I've searched these forums, as well as Sam's FAQ, but could not find any answers.

Thanks.

The emitter size determines stripe width. This is just the width of the stripe of light that laser diodes emit. Typically, the bigger the emitter area, the more powerful the laser but only to a point. Beyond that diodes are multimode, which means they have multiple emission regions.

Here's some reading for ya:

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology - broad area laser diodes, broad stripe, single-emitter laser diodes, tapered diode laser, brightness, broad emitter laser

Thanks for explaining that and for the link!