3 Micron High Energy Ultrafast Fiber Laser for X-Ray Science

High energy and high power mid infrared laser is a critical component for next generation X-ray sources. However, current technologies are limited to efficiency, size and price. Breakthrough technologies are needed. PolarOnyx is to develop a 10 mJ 3 micron ultrafast fiber laser system (Sirius laser system). PolarOnyx has demonstrated modelocked seed fiber laser at 3 micron, 201 micro-J energy extraction, and 1.32 W broadband amplification using Er:ZBLAN fiber. PolarOnyx is planning to scale the energy level to over 10 mJ and 100 fs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to the X-ray applications, material processing is a major commercial application for this project. This includes (1) Photonic device fabrications, such as waveguide, coupler, WDM, modulator, and switching; (2) all types of metal processing such as welding, cutting, annealing, and drilling; (3) semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing such as lithography, inspection, control, defect analysis and repair, and via drilling; (4) marking of all materials including plastic, metals, and silicon; (5) other materials processing such as rapid prototyping, desk top manufacturing, micromachining, photofinishing, embossed holograms, and grating manufacturing.