Robust Mid-IR Optical Fibers for Extreme Environments

The great progress and accomplishments demonstrated in the early prototyping Phase I effort are very exciting.Phase II effort will continue the development of innovative materials science processes to produce ultra high purity materials and robust mid-infrared optical fibers for extreme environments.At the end of Phase II, we will demonstrate production of long lengths (>100 m) mid-IR fiber for transport of high power (>100 W) laser output in the 2-5 m region with less than 0.5 dB/m loss, bend radii 20 kpsi).Integration with active laser systems in a monolithic fashion will be developed.Survivability of fibers under representative stress (such as applicable Mil-Specs) will be demonstrated.