We present a novel approach to achieving both wavelength stabilization and wavelength agility in high-power two-dimensional stacks of high-power laser diodes. This approach utilizes volume Bragg gratings® with Bragg period that varies as a function of position within the clear aperture of the element according to a periodic function with period equal to the spacing between the laser diode bars within the stack. The Bragg period varies linearly within each period so that translation of the volume Bragg grating element results in simultaneous tuning of the wavelength of all the bars in the stack. As a result, the wavelength of the stack is adjustable, stable and the emission line is narrowed to < 0.5 nm. This kind of laser diode stacks is particularly suitable for pumping of gaseous media with very narrow absorption lines, e.g. atomic vapors of rubidium, cesium, potassium etc.
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