We propose to develop kilowatt fiber lasers that is highly efficient at the conversion of electrical power into a diffraction-limited laser beam. The overall goal of this program is to deliver an unprecedented kilowatt-class fiber laser. The laser will be compact in size and light in weight. The goals of the Phase I are to use the newly developed beam shaping technology to combine the power from multiple laser diodes to small laser fiber aperture, perform a feasibility study of the enabling technology, and validate our approach by the design, analysis and fabrication of a prototype for use in a proof-of-principle demonstration. Specifically, the Phase I effort will evaluate and demonstrate a beam combination scheme for the kilowatt system. In particular, novel fiber-cladding geometry will be thoroughly studied. With the Phase I funding, a system will be constructed that not only could inject 320W power into a laser fiber, it will also demonstrate the capability and potential for kilowatt power levels. A solid foundation for further development will be provided by a successful Phase I program. The proposed technology will also benefit diode pumped solid-state lasers, high power laser beam transmission, airborne laser and other applications. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: High power, high efficiency fiber lasers have been sought for long time. The applications for high power fiber lasers are numerous both for the military and the commercial sectors. The applications include communication, medicine, laser cutting, pumping other lasers, and a host of other scientific research areas.
Keywords: Laser diode array, Laser beam combination, Kilowatt Fiber laser, Diode laser coupling, Fiber cladding, Diffraction limited beam
