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Low photo darkening single mode RMO fiber
1NKT Photonics A/S, Blokken 84, DK-3460 Birkerød, Denmark. KEM@nktphotonics.com
Optics Express
|November 13, 2009
Summary
A novel reduced mode overlap fiber design shows stable operation in a high-power Ytterbium-doped fiber laser. This fiber design minimizes photodarkening, ensuring long-term performance and efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Photodarkening is a significant limiting factor in the long-term stability of high-power fiber lasers.
- Yb/Al co-doped silica fibers are commonly used in high-power laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a new reduced mode overlap (RMO) single mode fiber design.
- To investigate the photodarkening behavior and long-term operational stability of this novel fiber in a high-power laser.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of a reduced mode overlap (RMO) single mode fiber.
- Operation of a nominal 350 W Yb/Al co-doped silica fiber laser utilizing the RMO fiber.
- Long-term power testing and efficiency degradation monitoring over 2000 hours.
Main Results:
- Saturated photodarkening was observed for the first time in this specific fiber type.
- Less than 7% slope efficiency degradation was recorded after 1500 hours of operation.
- No further degradation was observed during an additional 500 hours of operation.
Conclusions:
- The RMO fiber design effectively mitigates photodarkening in high-power Yb/Al co-doped silica fiber lasers.
- This fiber design offers excellent long-term operational stability and efficiency.
- The RMO fiber is a promising candidate for future high-power fiber laser applications.
