Advanced infrared laser fibers

This program will demonstrate, for the first time, a commercial prototype high power fiber laser in the 3-5µm band, based on Agiltron chalcogenide glass infrared optical fiber technology. High power IR lasers that emit multiwatt output at various infrared wavelengths in the 212µm region are a long-standing technical challenge. Fiber lasers, widely considered the choice for almost all high power applications, are robust, compact, excellent beam quality, require no optical alignment, have large surface to volume ratios that enables efficient thermal management and high electrical to optical power conversion efficiency.  To date, fiber laser wavelengths have been limited to the optical transmission window of silica glass fiber. Agiltron and Iowa State University propose to develop a new class of 2-12µm infrared laser fibers. Our approach is based on our proven chalcogenide material systems for which our research has led to documented improvements in transmission loss and dispersion properties. The fiber to be produced in Phase II will have the specific physical, chemical and optical characteristics required to serve as the basis for high power fiber lasers.  To prove this we will build and demonstrate fiber lasers with continuous wave output at five selected wavelengths in the 3-5µm band. BENEFIT: Fiber lasers have not been available for the all-important mid-IR region 3-5 µm which is key to many critical military applications. The success of the program will provide a reliable, agile and affordable high-efficiency broadband IR fiber for conversion and routing. Their applications are innumerous. One can find direct use, but not limit to, in military application including IR DWDM Communications, Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM), IR laser radar, guide star generation for imaging, and laser-based platform self defense; and in commercial application, including free-space communications, material process, nonlinear frequency conversion, medical laser procedures, remote bio/chemical detection, medical diagnostics equipment, medical surgery, LIDAR, and scientific instruments.