Powering Satellites Using a 2 Micron Crystal Fiber Laser

The objective of our proposed program is to demonstrate a high power single crystal fiber laser of Tm, Ho:YAG at 2 microns, an eye-safe wavelength, that can be used to power satellites. This system would be very efficient, light in weight and quite small in size. The efficiency and size of the laser would in large part be due to the fact that the laser is to be diode pumped and the single crystal fibers will be double-clad. These two developments have led to the demonstration of fiber lasers that have output powers over 100 Watts. The single crystal fibers will lead to increases in efficiency and power capability and therby reduce these systems further.