Influence of optical absorption of polysiloxane polymers on active fiber heating under lasing conditions

Abstract

Optical properties of conventional polysiloxane polymers used in fiber optics were analyzed. Transmission spectra and absorption coefficients of polymers in the operating wavelength range of Yb and Er doped fiber lasers were measured. Heating of Yb-doped active fiber inside the industrial laser unit poured with a silicone polymer protective layer was investigated. A part of the pump power converted into heat during laser generation was evaluated using experimental data obtained by substituting the active fiber with an electrically heated copper wire. Mathematical model of fiber laser unit heating was developed.