Multi-band laser architecture

摘要

Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a laser system. In one specific example embodiment, the system includes a thulium-doped fiber laser coupled by silica glass fiber to a remote optical converter (ROC) including a Ho:YAG laser and, optionally, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing in germanium phosphide (ZnGeP2; ZGP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs). The fiber laser may emit a low-peak-power, continuous wave pump signal that pumps the Ho:YAG laser, which in turn emits a higher-peak-power, pulsed signal. When included, the OPO can be used to convert the resultant, pulsed signal to a longer wavelength (e.g., about 2-5 μm, or greater). In some cases, distributed architecture and reduced weight/bulk may be realized while eliminating the need to actively cool the ROC for operation, for example, over a broad temperature range (e.g., −55-125° C.). Also, methods of preparing high-peak-power, pulsed signals using such systems are disclosed.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a thulium-doped fiber laser configured to emit a first signal having a peak power that does not induce a non-linear response; a remote optical converter comprising:
Q-switched holmium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG); andan optical parametric oscillator comprising zinc germanium phosphide (ZnGeP2) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs); and a silica glass optical fiber operatively coupling the fiber laser and the remote optical converter and configured to transport the first signal from the fiber laser to the remote optical converter.