Abstract
The transmission of laser energy over long lengths of optical fiber is being utilized for numerous applications including materials processing, medical surgery, powering of remote devices and sensors, and data transmission. Motivated by the development of ultra-low loss non-oxide optical fibers and potential novel applications for laser power delivery in the mid-infrared, we have undertaken a program to study the power handling capabilities of fluoride and chalcogenide fibers. Fluoride fibers based on the ZrF4 glass system and chalcogenidefibers based on the SbGeSe and GeAsSeTe systems have been evaluated. Using a Nd:YAG laser operating CW, the radiation effects on both commercial and developmental fibers have been determined. The test measurement matrix for power delivery consisted of variable power, power density and fiber length at wavelengths of 1.06 and 1.32 microns. A database has been generated on coupling efficiency, transmission efficiency, damage mechanisms, and physical handling which could influence the choice of fiber for a particular task. Work is continuing to extend the optical power transfer/radiation effects research to longer wavelengths corresponding to regions of lower total attenuation for these fibers.
