Combined method for the fabrication of high-power cladding light stripper using a buffered oxide etchant

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Fiber Laser Technology

Background:

• Cladding light strippers (CLSs) are essential components in high-power fiber laser systems.
• Existing methods for CLS fabrication have limitations in performance and robustness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation mechanisms and optimal conditions for CLS fabrication.
• To develop an improved CLS device for high-power applications using a novel etching technique.

Main Methods:

• A combined stain (wet) etching and vapor-phase etching method using buffered oxide etchant was employed.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermal imaging were used for characterization.

Main Results:

• The developed CLS achieved a stripping performance of ~17.2 dB at 333 W launched power.
• The device exhibited a maximum operating temperature of ~75°C.
• AFM revealed unique microscale crystal-like structures and nanoscale hillocks, unlike conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The combined etching method produces CLSs with superior high-power stripping performance and robustness.
• The optimized surface morphology enhances light stripping efficiency and heat dissipation.
• This fabrication technique is promising for advancing high-power fiber laser applications.