Volume Bragg gratingTM (VBGTM) technology has been shown to improve spectral characteristics of the high-power laser diodes and arrays. We review the recent advances in VBG technology that lead to better spectral performance as well as improvements in spatial brightness of the high-power laser diode arrays. The VBG technology has been applied to manufacturing of high-power laser diode arrays suitable for spectral beam combining to achieve even higher spatial brightness. The approach involves fabrication of VBGTM elements with transverse chirp of the Bragg period. Wavelength tuning of the laser diode arrays and wavelength-shifted laser diode bar operation have been demonstrated, which will lead to manufacturing of spectrally combined highbrightness arrays. OCIS codes: (140.2020) Diode lasers; (140.2010) Diode laser arrays; (050.7330) Volume holographic gratings.