Analysis of the maximum extractable power of photonic crystal fiber lasers

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the factors that limit the output power increase for photonic crystal fiber lasers and set a theoretical model to calculate the maximum extractable power of ytterbium-doped photonic crystal fibers. Numerically, when the diameter of core is 76-\mu m and the pumping intensity is 0.21 W/(\mu m2×Sr), the output of pure silica and ytterbium-doped photonic crystal fiber lasers is 100-kW, considering the technology for the time being. The main limitations of power scaling are facet damage and thermal self-focusing. In case of the strict single-mode operation condition, the maximum extractable power is 100-kW when the numerical aperture is 0.05. Considering the strict single-frequency operation condition, the maximum extractable power of both pure silica and ytterbium-doped photonic crystal fiber lasers is 1.65-kW, where the main factor is stimulated Brillouin scattering effect. Compared with the previous results, the increase in the maximum extractable power depends on three parameters: the availability of high-brightness pump diodes, the endless single-mode characteristic of the photonic crystal fiber, and the high doping density which lead to efficient absorption coefficient of pumping light. Finally, we simulate numerical aperture that influences the maximum power of photonic crystal fiber lasers and compare the difference in maximum output power of photonic crystal fibers and double-cladding fiber lasers in single-frequency condition.