New generation of thulium fiber lasers achieves world record performance
a year ago
- #fiber-optics
- #innovation
- #laser-technology
- Fraunhofer IOF researchers developed high-power thulium fiber lasers with a record output of 1.91 kW, nearly doubling previous performance.
- The spectral range of 2030-2050 nm is ideal for long-distance applications like satellite communication due to low atmospheric losses and eye safety.
- Spectral beam combining (SBC) technology enhances laser performance while maintaining beam quality and focusing ability.
- Innovations like 'cold splicing' for fiber connections and high-efficiency diffraction grating (over 95%) enable better cooling and performance.
- Future goals include scaling the technology to achieve 20-kW laser systems.
- Applications include material processing, medical procedures, and optical data transmission, with improved eye safety at 2 µm wavelengths.