A light source, e.g., for optical excitation of a laser device, includes a diode laser having a large number of emitters and a light-guiding device, the light-guiding device including a large number of optical fibers. Each fiber has a first end and a lateral surface, the first ends being arranged relative to the emitters in such a manner that light generated by the emitters is coupled into the first ends of the optical fibers, the optical fibers being arranged in abutting relationship along their lateral surfaces at least in the region of their first ends. The optical fibers are connected in the region of their first ends to a fiber support.