Incoherent beam combining increases laser power and intensity by spatially overlapping multiple independent beams. In contrast to spectral beam combining (a special case of incoherent combining) or coherent beam combining, this approach does not require wavelength or phase stabilization of the individual lasers. As a result, it remains highly flexible and compatible with a wide range of laser sources.

FiberBridge Photonics supports incoherent beam combining in two key ways. The first method involves the use of individual high-precision fiber collimators that are carefully aligned so their beams converge at a defined distance. This method offers high flexibility in working distance and overall system design. It relies on high-precision, kW-capable fiber collimators – components that FiberBridge Photonics designs, manufactures and tests specifically for such demanding applications.

The second method relies on a precisely manufactured fiber array that arranges the individual beams in a defined geometry, allowing them to overlap within the focal region of a focusing lens. In this configuration, the intensities from all sources add up incoherently at the focus, enabling high power density. These arrays must maintain micrometer-level alignment accuracy while withstanding kW-class optical loads per channel and, depending on the number of combined channels, supporting total power levels in the multi-10 kW range without performance degradation. Behind the fiber array, additional collimation optics – such as individual lenses or micro-lens array assemblies – can integrated to support the desired output geometry.

FiberBridge Photonics manufactures fiber arrays in 1D and 2D configurations and in virtually any custom geometry required: rectangular grids, hexagonal patterns, linear arrays, rings or fully application-specific layouts. With leading-edge solutions for high-power, high-precision fiber arrays, FiberBridge Photonics is ready to support your incoherent beam combining applications with tailor-made, high-performance components.