Through years of experience developing low loss fiber pump combiners operating to multi kilowatt (kW) levels, Optical Engines has mastered the technology for producing fiber optic tapers with precise dimensions and very low loss. This technology allows for the transition to tapers in the Photonic wire region where the fiber core dimensions are much less than 10 micrometers and the mode field diameter (MFD) becomes very large. This extended mode field can provide a means of creating low loss mode coupling to a bi directional receiver fiber. The Phase I portion of this proposal will demonstrate consistent tap coupling based on photonic wire technology and tested to over 100 watts. In Phase II a fully functioning multi kW will be developed, fabricated and demonstrated. Approved for Public Release 16-MDA-8620 (1 April 16)
