Transient temperature effects on the optical power wavelength shift of a high-power laser system

Abstract The effect of junction temperature change on the wavelength shift and optical power output of high-power laser systems utilizing a fiber laser design is investigated using a mathematical model. Several laser diode array configurations, along with two different cooling fluids, are used to analyze the laser performance by numerically calculating the optical power out of the fiber laser for each case. The modeling approach presented here captures the dependence of optical power output on laser diode junction temperature by way of the optical power interactions between the laser diodes and fiber gain media components. Through the presented research, the beginning of a Multiphysics modeling approach has been created for better understanding the thermal requirements for a robust and practical high-power laser system. Future research will build off this and focus on the temperature dependent aspects of individual components (laser diodes, fiber gain media, and combining optics) in high power laser systems. In conjunction, high fidelity modeling of the listed components will provide a clear picture of the aggregate system-level thermal requirements. Gains in system-level thermal knowledge are instrumental for progress in high power laser technology and application.