Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a compact, power-scalable, alignment-free fiber laser that takes a new approach to stabilizing phase-locked operation of multi-core fiber lasers by completely removing all free space optical components. This high-brightness, all-fiber laser package uses passive optical fiber spliced at both ends of a piece of active multi-core fiber, with dielectric mirrors coated at the two passive fiber facets to realize the in-phase super-mode selection.
Background:
The need for high-power fiber laser products already exists in the industrial and manufacturing worlds, and the demand is expected to grow as these devices get better, smaller, and less expensive. Already fiber lasers have proven to reduce overhead costs by eliminating downtime, reducing the spares inventory, decreasing the cost of utilities, and in many cases the labor associated with current laser solutions.
Applications:
- High-power fiber laser products
- Welding, cutting, and manufacturing
- In-field pipe welding and on-site cladding
Advantages:
- All-fiber: Eliminates free space optics (lenses, mirrors and air gaps)
- Compact: Size of a single piece of fiber
- Eliminates alignment and stability issues
- Unlimited power scalability
Status: issued U.S. patent #8,102,885
