High-power fiber lasers and amplifiers are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional solid-state and gas laser systems for many military and industrial applications. The advantages of high-power optical fiber sources are numerous: extremely high damage thresholds, excellent beam quality, superior wavelength and temperature stability, small size, and very high powers using novel double-cladding fiber geometry's. Another advantage of using optical fiber as the lasing medium is the unique ability to fabricate mode conversion gratings directly within the fiber for manipulation of both the signal and pump light. During Phase I, Lambda Instruments successfully investigated the feasibility of employing novel fiber gratings within future kilowatt-class fiber laser systems. Based on the successful feasibility studies demonstrated during Phase I, Lambda proposes to fully develop and optimize advanced fiber gratings during Phase II. To assist in advanced development and design optimization of fiber gratings, Lambda has assembled a highly experienced team. The development team has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of advanced grating technology during Phase I, and now proposes to finalize the development of grating components for high-power fiber laser applications during Phase II, and work with industry partners to commercialize advanced fiber laser and amplifier systems during Phase III.
Benefits: Lambda Instruments has identified high-power fiber lasers and grating-based devices as its primary business focus. With their excellent beam quality, thermal stability, high-power, and wavelength versatility, fiber lasers are beginning to displace conventional solid-state and gas lasers in a diverse range of markets including telecommunications, cable television, satellite communications, printing, medical, data storage, consumer electronics, sensor, defense, materials processing and instrument markets.
