Wavelength dependence of maximal diffraction-limited output power of fiber lasers

Abstract

The threshold-like onset of mode instabilities is currently the main limitation for the scaling of the average output power of fiber-laser systems with diffraction limited beam quality. In this contribution wavelength shifting of the seed signal has been experimentally investigated in order to mitigate mode instabilities. Against the expectations, it is experimentally shown that the highest mode instabilities threshold is reached around 1030 nm and not for the smallest wavelength separation between pump and signal wavelength. This finding implies that the quantum defect is not the sole significant source for thermal heating in the fiber.