Thanx Jim....It was a very fun build !!!
NK.....Yes one can arrange multiple LD's in a close pattern.....But....what provides apparent brightness....is Photon density /Cm2....meaning that... side by side beams will not be perceived as luminous/bright as will combined beams.
Also...there is a real mechanical challenge of multi-LD alignment. AND....IF the alignment issues are solved....what of heat transfer. A classic " Blivitz " There is a limit....with current optic/mechanical mounts...as to how many components can be supported in the HH format.
It is a reality that each LD is NOT in perfect alignment of the die to the LD case. These imperfections are very, very small....but over a very long distance....they are displayed !!!
SOooo....when combining multiple diodes....some method to "Steer " the beam must be used. You have two (2) choices...1) Steer the beam....or 2) Mechanically....have the abillity to manipulate the LD.....and once positioned....the abillity to lock it down.
Even with the use of complicated projector optics....there needs to be the option to re-adjust the optics. Any design that does not have that abillity....is flawed.
SOoooo...that means....forget the idea of alignment....then epoxy !!! Eventually...re-alignment will be necessary.
Bottom line...." No Free Lunch"....eerrr ....ahh....well..." No Easy Lunch"....that's for sure !!!
For your interest....see this link !!!
http://www.laser-man.co.uk/projects/107-arctos-multi-diode-array.html
CDBEAM=======>
For your entertainment....see pic ( Never built....just a WD ) !!!