Patent ID: 7145927

Claim:
A method for replacing at least one of a plurality of removable linear laser diode bars of a laser diode array, comprising: accessing a removable linear laser diode bar within the laser diode array, wherein the laser diode array comprises the plurality of removable linear laser diode bars and a plurality of spacers with each removable linear laser diode bar being disposed between a respective pair of spacers; slideably removing the removable linear laser diode bar from between the respective pair of spacers in the laser diode array without breaking a mechanical connection between the removable linear laser diode bar and the respective pair of spacers; maintaining a predetermined spaced apart relationship between the respective pair of spacers to facilitate subsequent insertion of a replacement linear laser diode bar; slidably inserting and securing the replacement linear laser diode bar between the respective pair of spacers without creation of a mechanical connection therebetween; and electrically activating the replacement linear laser diode bar while the replacement linear laser diode bar remains secured between the pair of spacers without the creation of a mechanical connection therebetween.