An overview of power delivery and laser damage in fibers

Fiber optic delivery systems are an important component of high power laser systems used for applications ranging from laser surgery to industrial cutting and welding. Conventional silica fiber optics may be used to deliver Nd:YAG laser powers in excess of 2,000 W whereas lasers operating beyond 2 mu m require non-silica fiber optics. Specifically, IR transmissive fiber optics for Er:YAG (3 mu m) or CO2 (10.6 mu m) laser beam delivery require the use of special fiber optics such as sapphire, fluoride or chalcogenide glass, or hollow waveguides. The optical and mechanical properties of these unique guides and their power handling capability are reviewed along with those of silica fibers operating in the UV and near IR wavelength region of the spectrum.