Laser assisted bending based on macro-channel cooled diode lasers

Laser-assisted bending allows the bending of brittle materials by laser-heating the work-piece. We present a new development based on macro-channel cooled diode-lasers, initially developed for pumping of disc lasers. The new solution is more robust and reliable and will show the life-time necessary for an industrial application. The optical concept, however, shows problems with the uniformity of the intensity distribution.