Midinfrared free electron laser power delivery through a chalcogenide glass fiber

This article reports on the results of free electron laser (FEL) power transmission measurements through chalcogenide fibers. The FEL power transmission was tested by two types of chalcogenaide NSEG fibers, a normal fiber and a tapered fiber, made by varying the drawing speed from 2 to 17 cm/min. As a result, the tapered NSEG fiber is able to transmit 5–7 μm FEL power with a 10 MW/micropulse without surface damage. Tapered NSEG fibers are useful, therefore, for power transmission to narrow spaces such as the slide glass between the stage and the objective lens in a microscope.