Delivery of 10-MW Nd:YAG laser pulses by large-core optical fibers: Dependence of the laser-intensity profile on beam propagation

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Applied Optics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.36.001610· OSTI ID:656074

Richou, B; Richou, J ^[1]; Schertz, I; Gobin, I ^[2]

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1. Laboratoire d` Optoelectronique, Faculte des Sciences, Universite de Toulon et du Var, BP 132, La Garde 83957 (France)
2. Commissariat a l`Energie Atomique/Vaujours, Moronvilliers, BP 7, Courtry 77181 (France)

A large-core multimode optical fiber of a few meters length is studied as a 10-MW beam delivery system for a 15-ns pulsed Nd:YAG laser. A laser-to-fiber vacuum coupler is used to inhibit air breakdown and reduce the probability of dielectric breakdown on the fiber front surface. Laser-induced damage inside the fiber core is observed behind the fiber front surface. An explanation based on a high power density is illustrated by a ray trace. Damaged spots and measurements of fiber output energies are reported for two laser beam distributions: a flat-hat type and a near-Gaussian type. Experiments have been performed to deliver a 100-pulse mean energy between 100 and 230 mJ without catastrophic damage. {copyright} 1997 Optical Society of America

• OSTI ID: 656074
• Journal Information: Applied Optics, Journal Name: Applied Optics Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 36; ISSN 0003-6935; ISSN APOPAI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
BEAM OPTICS
DESIGN
INFRARED SPECTRA
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
NEODYMIUM LASERS
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
POWER RANGE 01-10 MW
PULSE TECHNIQUES