High-power Continuous-wave Laser Research Articles

Room-temperature high-power laser emission of erbium-doped fluorite crystals at 2.8 µm.

We report on a high-power continuous-wave (CW) laser at 2.8 µm employing erbium (Er)-doped fluorite crystals as gain materials. With an optimized Er3+ ion concentration, thin "slab" geometry of the sample matching with the tailored pump beam profile and compensated negative thermal lens using a pair of concave mirrors cavity configuration, a highest power of 14.5 W is achieved from a dual-end-pumped Er:CaF2 laser, which, to the best of our knowledge, presents the record power from the room-temperature Er-bulk lasers in the 3-µm spectral range. In addition, 8.05 W output power is obtained from the Er:SrF2 laser with an RMS power stability of 0.35%. This work indicates that Er-doped fluorite crystals with large-scale available fabrication are promising candidates for high-power laser emission at ∼3 µm.

Compact high-power 320-nm continuous-wave single-frequency laser based on power scaling of a diode-pumped Pr:LiYF4 ring laser at red.

Single-frequency (SF) lasers in the visible spectral region are usually obtained through an indirect method, i.e., frequency doubling of near-infrared SF lasers. In this work, we report on the direct generation of a high-power continuous-wave (CW) SF laser in red based on a diode-pumped Pr:LiYF4 (YLF) ring cavity technology. A maximum output power is scaled to 3.98 W at 640 nm with a linewidth of about 17.2 MHz and a power stability of 0.6%. Moreover, by inserting a LBO crystal into the ring cavity for intracavity frequency doubling of the 640 nm SF laser, we have also successfully demonstrated an ultraviolet (UV) SF laser at 320 nm, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, with a maximum power of 670 mW. This work provides a promising route for the development of simple, compact, and high-power SF lasers operating in visible and UV spectral regions.

Polarized spectral properties and 2.3 µm laser performance of the Tm:YVO4 crystal

The polarized spectral properties and ∼2.3 µm high-power continuous-wave laser operation of Tm3+-doped yttrium orthovanadate crystal (Tm:YVO4) are reported. For the 3H4 → 3H5 transition, the stimulated-emission cross-section σSE is 1.01 × 10−20 cm2 at 2276 nm corresponding to a large emission bandwidth of 52 nm (for π-polarization). Pumped by a 794 nm laser diode, the 1.5 at.% Tm:YVO4 laser delivered 5.52 W at 2.29 µm with a slope efficiency of 19.9%, a laser threshold of 8.70 W, and a linear laser polarization (π). The Tm laser operated on the cascade scheme (on the 3H4 → 3H5 and 3F4 → 3H6 transitions) which was mainly responsible for the observed high laser slope efficiency. We also report on the first passively Q-switched Tm:YVO4 laser at 2.3 µm by employing porous nano-grained cuprous selenide (PNG-Cu2Se) as a saturable absorber. The shortest pulse duration and the highest single pulse energy amounted to 706 ns and 3.65 µJ, respectively, corresponding to a pulse repetition rate of 62.8 kHz.

Impact of laser beam shaping on weld pool and seam geometry in butt-joint welding with filler wire

Beam shaping offers a promising solution to address various challenges in laser-based processes. This study explores the use of an adaptive beam shaping solution using a deformable mirror for high-power continuous wave lasers. Specifically, the impact of three different elliptical beam shapes on weld pool geometry, weld cross section in butt-joint welding with a filler wire is investigated. The results reveal that beam shaping significantly affects the weld pool and cross section, with elliptical beam shapes resulting in wider fusion zones in two tested cases and more uniform weld bead compared to a typical circular beam. These findings highlight the potential of beam shaping for enhancing consistency and quality in laser beam welding.

Dual-wavelength collaboratively pumping scheme for a 3.9 µm continuous-wave Ho:YLF laser

A dual-wavelength collaboratively pumping scheme is proposed to realize the efficient operation of a 3.9 µm continuous wave Ho:YLF laser. An 888 nm laser is used to excite ions from the 5I8 ground-state manifold to the 5I5 laser’s upper manifold. Another 2.1 µm laser is used to excite ions from the 5I6 laser’s lower manifold to the short-lived 5I4 manifold to eliminate the self-terminated effect of 3.9 µm laser oscillation. Numerical simulation of 3.9 µm laser output performances is carried out, based on the developed rate equations. Simulation results indicate that the dual-wavelength collaboratively pumping scheme is feasible to realize the highly efficient output of the 3.9 µm continuous wave Ho:YLF laser. The relationship between the pump power for 888 nm and 2.1 µm laser sources is analyzed to obtain the optimal output. Furthermore, the impacts of crystal doping concentration, crystal length, output mirror transmittance, and important energy-transfer processes on the laser output performances are also analyzed. The dual-wavelength collaboratively pumping scheme provides beneficial guidance for the generation of a 3.9 µm high-power continuous-wave laser in an Ho:YLF laser.

High-efficiency 261-nm continuous-wave laser by single-blue-laser-diode-pumped Pr3+:LiYF4 crystal

High-power continuous-wave (CW) deep ultraviolet lasers attract growing research interest in the field of optoelectronics. Herein, we perform a CW deep ultraviolet laser at 261 nm by the intracavity frequency doubling of a single-blue-laser-diode-pumped Pr3+:LiYF4 (Pr:YLF) laser. The excellent mode matching between the pump and fundamental-frequency laser beams is realized by optimizing the pump focusing and laser resonator systems. On that basis, the maximum CW fundamental-frequency laser obtained is 1.41 W at 522 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 59.12%. Moreover, a deep ultraviolet laser is further demonstrated at 261 nm using a β-BaB2O4 (BBO) frequency-doubling crystal, yielding a maximum output power of 1.17 W and an optical–optical conversion efficiency of 33.4% with respect to the pump power. Such a result is the highest optical–optical conversion efficiency of the CW DUV lasers from Pr3+-doped crystals, to the best of our knowledge. The finding in this work manifests the development potential of all-solid-state deep ultraviolet lasers and provides a feasible avenue for achieving high-efficiency deep ultraviolet laser output.

Phase degradation of liquid crystal variable retarders and preconfiguring method for high-power continuous-wave laser

The effects of laser-induced heat on the performance degradation of liquid crystal (LC) devices are critically important in applications involving laser systems. In this study, we investigated the influences of 1064-nm continuous-wave (CW) laser loading on an LC variable retarder (LCVR). The results show that thermal deposition initially causes an overall downward shift in the electronically controlled phase retardation curve. This phase retardation reduction is restored under a certain voltage and laser power by reducing the driving voltage. For common nematic LC wave plates that do not require voltage application, the decrease in phase retardation can be pre-compensated by increasing the corresponding LC cell thickness. For electrically controlled LC devices, the phase retardation under a high-power CW laser can be preconfigured by plotting phase response curves versus voltages at different laser powers. Based on these calibration curves, the LC devices can still service high-power CW lasers as long as the resulting temperature does not reach the clear point of the LC material. These results clarify the fundamental mechanisms of phase modulation variation induced by thermal deposition and could be useful for the fabrication optimization and effective implementation of LC devices in high-power laser systems.

CHIMERA Fusion Technology Facility: Testing and Virtual Qualification

The Combined Heating and Magnetic Research Apparatus (CHIMERA) fusion technology test facility is under construction. The facility will be uniquely capable of semi-integral testing of fusion materials and component modules up to the size of the ITER test blanket module box, under combined conditions of in-vacuum high heat flux, static and pulsed magnetic fields, and high-temperature/high-pressure water cooling. This paper reports the high-level capabilities of the CHIMERA baselined design and the planned program of testing and describes the proposed strategy for use of simulations for virtual testing, qualification, and in-situ monitoring. The first step in testing of a component mock-up is to take data from as-built geometry and other measurements and transmit them to an integrated computational model that can closely mimic the physical asset and form a digital replica. Not only can this digital replica be queried in advance of physical testing in the facility, allowing optimization of the test program, but combined with subsequent test data, it also can deliver much greater insight into experimental results than can be obtained using test data alone. The digital replica is used as the basis for a digital twin, which is live coupled to the running experiment, and is under development as a proposed key facet of fusion reactor surveillance in-service. Physical mock-ups for testing can be subjected to in-vacuum heat flux up to 0.5 MW/m2 over the entire surface while within a strong horizontal magnetic field. The central field can be up to 4 T with a peak in the test region of 5 T. The same component mock-ups can also be subjected to repeated magnetic field pulses with ramp rate 12 T/s, which can simulate loading conditions of a plasma disruption. Facility upgrades are underway to include a liquid metal circulation loop to allow the study of magnetohydrodynamics effects and to add a high-heat-flux system using a very high-power continuous-wave laser to achieve divertor-relevant heat fluxes of 20 MW/m2 over the area of a small-scale mock-up. Four examples are given to illustrate the physical testing program that is currently foreseen.

Instantaneous Ablation Behavior of Laminated CFRP by High-Power Continuous-Wave Laser Irradiation in Supersonic Wind Tunnel.

Experimental and numerical investigations of the instantaneous ablation behavior of laminated carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) exposed to an intense continuous-wave (CW) laser in a supersonic wind tunnel are reported. We establish an in situ observation measurement in the experiments to examine the instantaneous ablation behavior. The surface recession depth is calculated by using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method, taking the ply angle of laminated CFRP as a reference. A coupled thermal-fluid-ablation numerical model incorporating mechanisms of oxidation, sublimation, and thermomechanical erosion is developed to solve the ablation-through problem of multilayer materials. The results show that the laser ablation depth is related to the laser power density, airflow velocity and airflow mode. Thermomechanical erosion is the primary ablation mechanism when the surface temperature is relatively low and the cavity flow mode is a closed cavity flow. When the surface temperature reaches the sublimation of carbon and the airflow mode is transformed to open cavity flow, sublimation plays a dominant role and the ablation rate of thermomechanical erosion gradually decreases.

Theoretical analysis on improving output power of continuous-wave single-wavelength two-photon pumped Rb-vapor laser with mid-infrared seed laser

We theoretically prove that introducing 5.23-μm mid-infrared (MIR) seed laser can greatly increase output power of two-photon pumped Rb-vapor laser (Rb-TPAL) for the first time. Firstly, MIR laser stimulated radiation is added to the three-dimensional calculation model we reported in Ref. [1]. Then we simulate the Rb-TPAL pumped by a high-power continuous-wave laser diode and analyze the effects of MIR seed power and direction, vapor cell temperature and length, waist radii of pump and MIR seed, and output mirror reflectance on the output characteristics. The results show that by optimizing the above parameters, the MIR seed laser can not only significantly improve the output power and conversion efficiency of blue and MIR laser, but also reduce the pump and temperature thresholds of blue laser. This study can be useful for designing a TPAL system with high-power dual-waveband laser output.

Carbon nanotube sponges filled sandwich panels with superior high-power continuous wave laser resistance

Effect of highly-porous and lightweight carbon nanotube sponges on the high-power continuous wave laser ablation resistance of the sandwich panel was investigated experimentally. As a comparison, thermal responses of monolithic plate, carbon nanotube film filled sandwich panel, unfilled sandwich panel and carbon nanotube sponge filled sandwich panel subjected to continuous wave laser irradiation were analyzed. Experimental results showed that the laser resistance of the carbon nanotube filled sandwich panel is obviously higher than the unfilled structure. The added failure time of the sandwich panel by filling the cores with the carbon nanotube sponge of unit mass was about 18 times and 33 times longer than that by filling with the conventional ablative and insulated material. It could be understood by the high thermal diffusion coefficient and latent heat of sublimation of the carbon nanotube sponge. During ablation by the continuous wave, the carbon nanotube sponge not only fast consumed the absorbed laser energy through phase change of a large-area material due to its high latent heat of sublimation, but also quickly dispersed the heat energy introduced by the continuous wave laser due to its high thermal diffusion coefficient, leading to the extraordinary laser ablation resistance.

Stable high-efficiency continuous-wave diamond Raman laser at 1178 nm

We demonstrate a high-efficiency continuous-wave (CW) diamond Raman laser operating at 1178 nm with enhanced stability by using a V-cavity design. A maximum Stokes power of 39 W with a conversion efficiency of 45% was achieved using a linearly-polarized 1018 nm Yb-doped fiber pump laser. The Stokes CW power stability showed superior stability over a linear cavity when characterized over periods up to 15 min. The Stokes output was found to switch between linear, elliptical, and random polarization with varying pump polarization. The results represent a major step towards stable, efficient and high-power CW lasers at 1178 nm and at wavelengths outside the main Yb, and Nd emission bands.

Laser cleaning on severely corroded steel members: Engineering attempt and cleanliness assessment

A highly effective, environmentally friendly, high-power continuous-wave laser (CWL) transmitter was newly developed to remove corrosion products from severely corroded steel structures. In this regard, treatment conditions of dry laser cleaning (DLC) and wet laser cleaning (WLC) of the drench, soak, and rinse methods are adopted, and the cleanliness effect is compared with that of conventional abrasive blasting treatment. The morphologies and chemical compositions of untreated and treated surfaces are analyzed using three-dimensional digital microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The results show that laser cleaning can efficiently remove corrosion products and salts that severely corrode steel members, as well as prolong the re-corrosion time of the cleaned surfaces. WLC can achieve excellent microscopic cleaning and reduce the effect of high-temperature inputs on the surface via laser irradiation. Further mechanistic analysis indicates that ablation, melting, and evaporation during laser cleaning primarily contribute to the removal of corrosion products and salts. As a result, the WLC drench method yields the best surface cleanliness and is suitable for practical engineering applications. This study provides a basis for maintaining severely corroded structures via laser-cleaning techniques.

Influence of ITO layer on laser tolerance of liquid crystal device under continuous-wave laser loading

The laser performance of liquid-crystal devices (LCDs) must be considered because of their applications in laser systems. The phase modulation variation mechanisms, as well as the key absorption factor under continuous-wave (CW) laser loading, remain unclear. In this study, the influence of indium tin oxide (ITO) layers on the laser tolerance of LCDs under CW laser loading was investigated. Comparing the phase modulation variations and thermal effects of passive and active LCDs, the influence of the ITO absorbing layer and the decisive role of temperature on the laser tolerance of the LCDs were confirmed. The results showed that the laser tolerance of the LCD with ITO layers was approximately one-seventh of that of the LCD without ITO layers. ITO layers have proven to be the main absorption factor for active LCDs. However, the variations in phase modulation and morphology under CW laser loading were similar for LCDs with or without ITO layers. The phase modulation variations of the LCDs increased with increasing temperature in the irradiated area. For LCDs with or without ITO, once the CW laser loading induced a similar temperature increase, their phase modulation variations were almost the same. The temperature rise of LCDs is confirmed to be an effective parameter for evaluating the phase modulation degradation of LCDs in high-power CW laser applications. The coincidence between the theoretical and experimental phase modulation variations for LCDs with or without ITO indicates that the temperature-induced refractive index change was the main reason for the LCD phase modulation variation under CW laser loading. These results clarify the basic mechanisms of the phase modulation variation of LCDs under CW laser loading and provide guidance for process optimization and application of LCDs in high-power laser systems.

Continuous-Wave Crystalline Laser at 714 nm via Stimulated Raman Scattering and Sum Frequency Generation

A compact high-power continuous-wave (CW) laser at 714 nm is originally developed via intracavity stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and sum frequency generation (SFG). The fundamental wave at 1342 nm and the first-Stokes Raman wave at 1525 nm are generated by using a Nd:YVO4 and a undoped YVO4 crystals, respectively. Compared to the self-Raman laser, the separation of the gain media for generating the fundamental and Raman waves can effectively reduce the thermal lens effect in the Nd:YVO4 crystal and efficiently enhance the SRS in the undoped YVO4 crystal. Furthermore, the undoped YVO4 crystal is coated to act as a high-reflection mirror for minimizing the cavity losses. At a pump power of 40 W, the output power at 714 nm can reach 1.8 W. The present compact design for CW laser source at 714 nm is believed to be practically useful for laser cooling and trapping of radium.

Pulse light manipulate output state of 3.6 μm fluoride fiber laser in DWP system

Strong driving with light offers the potential to manipulate the properties of fluoride fiber on absorbed characteristics. A 3.6 μm continuous wave (CW) fiber laser pumped by the 1973 nm CW fiber laser and the 976 nm pulsed diode source was demonstrated in a dual-wavelength pumping (DWP) system. The output state could be changed from pulse to CW by controlling the repetition frequency and pumping power of the 976 nm pulsed pump source. By optimizing the pumping parameter, a maximum output power of 1.2 W was achieved for the 3.6 μm CW fiber laser. The demonstrated method shows a new solution for controlling the output state of 3.6 μm fiber lasers, which can be used to achieve high power CW laser output. These findings will be helpful for better understanding the interaction process of particle transition in DWP systems.

Real-time laser ultrasonic monitoring of laser-induced thermal processes

Intra- and inter-layer integrity of components fabricated with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as laser powder bed fusion, is dependent upon rapid heating, melting, and solidification processes. There is a need for new techniques to provide in situ feedback of these processes. Here a laser-based ultrasonic technique to probe thermal effects induced by a high-power continuous wave laser in titanium samples is described. Numerical simulations were performed to show that, for a spatially uniform heating beam, laser-induced surface acoustic waves are strongly influenced by surface heating conditions, are dispersive in the case of rapid heating, and that an abrupt velocity reduction happens upon the onset of surface melting. Furthermore, laser-based ultrasound experimental results which monitor the transient change of surface wave travel time associated with high power laser surface heating are provided. A pulsed laser is used to generate high frequency surface acoustic waves that propagate through the laser-heated region and are detected using a photorefractive crystal-based interferometer. Qualitative agreement is observed between theory and experiment with both showing a rapid reduction in the surface wave velocity at the onset of illumination and further decrease in surface wave velocity associated with melting. It is demonstrated that changes in the surface wave velocity can be used to track local heating and detect the onset of surface melting in real time.

Diamond mirrors for high-power continuous-wave lasers

High-power continuous-wave (CW) lasers are used in a variety of areas including industry, medicine, communications, and defense. Yet, conventional optics, which are based on multi-layer coatings, are damaged when illuminated by high-power CW laser light, primarily due to thermal loading. This hampers the effectiveness, restricts the scope and utility, and raises the cost and complexity of high-power CW laser applications. Here we demonstrate monolithic and highly reflective mirrors that operate under high-power CW laser irradiation without damage. In contrast to conventional mirrors, ours are realized by etching nanostructures into the surface of single-crystal diamond, a material with exceptional optical and thermal properties. We measure reflectivities of greater than 98% and demonstrate damage-free operation using 10 kW of CW laser light at 1070 nm, focused to a spot of 750 μm diameter. In contrast, we observe damage to a conventional dielectric mirror when illuminated by the same beam. Our results initiate a new category of optics that operate under extreme conditions, which has potential to improve or create new applications of high-power lasers.

Exploring the potential of Pr3+:LiY0.3Lu0.7F4 mixed crystal for diode-pumped watt-level continuous-wave lasers in the visible region

By partially substituting the Y3+ ions with Lu3+ ions, the widely investigated Pr:LiYF4 single crystal has been formated into Pr:LiY0.3Lu0.7F4 mixed crystal. In this work, we report the recent progress on diode-pumped continuous-wave Pr:LiY0.3Lu0.7F4 lasers in visible spectral region. Using a diode double-end pumping geometry, we have achieved red (∼640 nm), orange (∼607 nm), green (∼523 nm) and deep red (∼721 nm) lasers with maximum output powers and slope efficiencies of (3.28 W, 35.9%), (1.79 W, 19.8%), (1.61 W, 18.0%) and (1.56 W, 20.8%), respectively. The orange and deep red lasers are first demonstrated in the Pr:LiY0.3Lu0.7F4 mixed crystal, to the best of our knowledge. Moreover, the results represent the best laser performance for Pr3+ mixed crystal lasers. Researches on Pr3+ mixed crystals and their corresponding lasers are still on their initial stages, which could provide some new opportunities for the generation of high-power continuous-wave visible lasers and more importantly for the generation of femtosecond ultrashort pulsed visible lasers that is indeed very on demand.

Hybrid Dissection for Neutron Tube Shell via Continuous-Wave Laser and Ultra-Short Pulse Laser.

The sealed neutron tube shell dissection process utilizing the traditional lathe turning method suffers from low efficiency and high cost due to the frequency of replacement of the diamond knife. In this study, a hybrid dissection method is introduced by combining the continuous-wave (CW) laser for efficient tangential groove production with an ultra-short pulse laser for delamination scanning removal. In this method, a high-power CW laser is firstly employed to make a tapered groove on the shell’s surface, and then a femtosecond pulse laser is used to micromachine the groove in order to obtain a cutting kerf. The thermal field was theoretically investigated in a finite element model. The simulation results show that the width of the area of temperature exceeding 100 °C is 1.9 mm and 0.4 mm with rotating speeds of 20 rad/s and 60 rad/s, respectively. In addition, a 2 mm deep slot in the 25 mm diameter tube was successfully produced in 1 min by a kilowatt fiber laser, and a 500-femtosecond pulse laser was employed to cut a plate with a material removal rate of 0.2 mm3/min. By using the hybrid method, the cutting efficiency was improved about 49 times compared to the femtosecond laser cutting. According to the simulation and experimental results, this method provides a high-efficiency and non-thermal cutting technique for reclaimed metallic neutron tube shells with millimeter-level thick walls, which has the advantages of non-contact, minimal thermal diffusion, and no effect of molten slag. It is indicated that the hybrid dissection method not only offers a new solution for thick neutron tube shell cutting but also extends the application of laser cutting techniques.