Advances in fiber coupled high power diode laser modules at 793nm and 976nm for defense applications

Abstract

In addition to common parameters like wavelength, output power and brightness, requirements in defense vary from industrial products. Contrary to industrial applications, where key requirements are total cost of ownership and lifetime measured in operating hours, defense applications use size, weight and power (SWaP) as the key performance metrics. In addition, overall system efficiency is a crucial factor in saving space and weight. Reliability is typically measured in years of service with comparatively low overall laser on time and not in laser operating hours. We present new products based on the Coherent FACTOR series of fiber coupled high power diode laser modules, optimized for defense applications. Modules at 793 nm for Thulium fiber laser pumping and modules at 976 nm for Ytterbium fiber laser pumping are presented. Compared to industrial FACTOR series modules, these devices are optimized for highest output power and low weight compared to their industrial counter parts. Modules are designed, qualified and tested to ensure reliable operation in the demanding environmental conditions of defense applications. Modules at 793 nm ranging from 100 W to 500 W of output power are shown. The FACTOR-16 module is rated at 100 W from a 100 µm 0.22 NA fiber. 500 W are achieved from a T-Bar based packaged equipped with a 200 µm 0.2 NA fiber. At 976 nm, the new lightweight FACTOR-16 package with 150 W from a 100 µm 0.22 NA fiber is shown. In addition, power scaling results from FACTOR-22 and FACTOR-44 modules with power levels of 400 W and 600 W respectively are presented.