Fiber Array Cooling & Holding Management System (FRAME) for HP Fiber Laser Applications

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need to accurately hold and cool the end of a high power fibers used in (>1 kW) class fiber amplifiers, Optonicus proposes the development of the FibeR Array Cooling and Holding Management SystEm (FRAME) for high power laser applications. The FRAME system is based on a new circularly symmetric cooling configuration that combines the functions of fiber fixation and cooling in an integrated design that solves the problems caused by stress and the subsequent polarization effects generated by the current V-groove based approaches. The architecture is scalable from single to multiple fiber configurations. An active feedback based control technology is used enable tip and tilt control in two dimensions. In Phase I, Optonicus has demonstrated feasibility via a proof of concept design, including prototype testing with a 1.3 kW fiber laser for a single fiber FRAME holder. In Phase II, Optonicus will build a deliverable advanced prototype for a single fiber holder that will be delivered to AFRL for evaluation and develop designs for multiple fiber (5 x 5 array) fiber holder. In Phase III, the technology will be transitioned to government via commercial development with high power fiber laser amplifier manufacturers. BENEFIT: The Optonicus FRAME system will enable scalability of fiber arrays at high power without adverse thermal effects and provide actuated tip/tilt control. Successful completion of the FRAME system development will bring benefits to military HEL weapon systems enabling high power systems to be developed. Commercial applications include high power laser welding, cutting, materials processing and free space optical switching.