Mid-infrared Fiber Laser Based on Super-Continuum

Infrared counter-measures require a mid-infrared laser operating between 3-5 microns with average powers of tens of watts. Omni Sciences, Inc.'s (OSI's) aims to develop a Mid-Infra-Red FIber Laser (MIRFIL) based on super-continuum (SC) generation that produces a continuous spectrum between 1-5 microns. OSI has demonstrated broadband SC in high-nonlinearity fused silica (HiNL) and ZBLAN fluoride fibers using laser diode pumping. For HiNL the SC covers ~950nm to ~2700nm, while in ZBLAN the spectrum covers ~850nm to ~3600nm. This SC is unique in that modelocked lasers are not required and only short fiber lengths are used. The spectral density is more than three (eight) orders-of-magnitude brighter than a lamp in average (peak) power. In Phase I OSI will develop a MIRFIL covering the 3-5 micron window. The HiNL results will be extended to ~3600nm using extra drying steps in the fiber. The ZBLAN results will be extended to ~5000nm by tailoring the material composition of ZBLAN to reduce the bend induced loss. Damage threshold and power scaling will also be tested. In preparation for Phase II, a MIRFIL will be designed that can reach power levels of tens of watts over the 3-5 micron window.