Laser power beams obtained by the dynamic selection of emitting elements in an array

A method for partially correcting the spatial coherence of an array of laser beams is described. The method trades far-field intensity for simplistic implementation and array lifetime extension, resulting in a quasicoherent array with features of adaptive optics. An algorithm for implementing the method is described and feasible options for improvement are presented. A computer experiment used the algorithm and fast Fourier transforms to calculate typical far-field intensity distributions of such arrays. The far-field distributions illustrate beam power concentration, beam steering, and (indirectly) extended lifetime of the array.