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. POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS A high power two micron laser will have many commercial applications as a high power compact laser at this wavelength does not exist at this time. This wavelength is very useful for medical and dental applications. It is the proper wavelength for several medical procedures. A high power 2 micron source that is single mode, as our design can be readily developed to be, will find application as an OPO pump. This can lead to a broadly tunable source for investigating molecular and atmospheric effects.
