Evaluation and Monitoring Methodology for Applications of Condition Based Maintenance Technologies

Not Available Optigain proposes to develop, for the first time, a single-frequency, ultra-narrow linewidth, TEM00- mode, linearly polarized, few hundred mW and tunable Ytterbium (Yb) doped laser in a fiber form. This novel approach, to construct a Yb-doped fiber laser in a traveling-wave (unidirectional) ring resonator incorporating a double frequency stabilization/locking system, will achieve the goads defined in this topic area. The combination of intracavity frequency stabilization and external frequency locking will yield a very high frequency stability and a narrow linewidth, of the order of 10 Hz. Another crucial aspect of our approach is to actualize the linear-polarization lasing to totally eliminate the polarization mode competition, ensuring a long-term reliable operation. The Phase I effort we will analyze the fiber laser resonator design trade-off, through theoretical and computer modeling, to determine the best resonator configuration of the Yb-doped fiber laser for achieving an ultra-narrow linewidth, stable single-frequency, TEM00-mode, linearly polarized, few hundred mW and tunable operation. We will also conduct experimental investigations to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed Yb-doped fiber laser. The Phase I result will provide a comprehensive technical base to build a fully functional in the Phase II.