FIBER OPTIC LASER SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED LASING METHOD

摘要

The fiber optic laser system and associated lasing method amplifies and divides a primary laser signal into a plurality of secondary laser signals. The fiber optic laser system includes a distribution means, such as a distribution module, for dividing a primary laser signal, generated by a master oscillator into a number of secondary laser signals. The distribution module can include amplification means, such as an optical fiber amplifier, for amplifying the primary laser signal and a signal power splitter for dividing the amplified primary laser signal into a number of secondary laser signals. The secondary laser signals can then be further amplified, such as by a power amplification module including another optical fiber amplifier. The secondary laser signals can be recombined to produce a laser output having a power level greater than the predetermined power level of the primary laser signal. During the process of combining the secondary laser signals, the secondary laser signals can be collimated and the relative phases of the secondary laser signals can be controllably modulated such that the resulting laser output has a predetermined phase profile and relatively high beam qualities.