Abstract: We introduce a novel high average power (>100 mW) fiber optic source, using a wavelength converter based on optical parametric amplification in a nonlinear fiber. In the most fundamental embodiment, light at two different wavelengths is used to generate light at a third wavelength through optical parametric amplification in a highly non-linear fiber. The method provides high average output power at wavelengths that are not accessible by other means. The source has high optical conversion efficiency (>20%), and it can be tuned over tens of nanometers.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding apparatus for side-coupling light into an optical waveguide, such as a double-cladding fiber, are described. The method includes emitting light from a light source and coupling the emitted light into a side of a waveguide that defines a slit disposed on the side of the waveguide at an angle relative to an axis of the waveguide. The emitted light is incident on a surface of the slit and the slit surface reflects the incident light into the waveguide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high power, broad gain, high efficiency, low noise, cladding pumped fiber amplifiers and lasers. The present invention allows a much higher pump light intensity in the inner cladding of a double cladding fiber to be achieved than is possible with conventionally pumped double cladding fiber amplifiers. The present invention utilizes a fiber taper in which the inner cladding decreases from a wide to narrow portion with the fiber core remaining the same diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of hermetically sealing a pump module for a double cladded fiber in a pump module. The apparatus includes a hermetic pump module for coupling light from a pump source into an optical waveguide. The hermetic pump module includes a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the hermetically sealed housing contains an all-glass double cladded fiber with an outer cladding, an inner cladding, and a core, wherein the double cladded fiber includes a v-groove that extends through the outer cladding into the inner cladding, a pump source that emits a light, and a transparent substrate, bonded to the glass outer cladding with a transparent adhesive, wherein the light passes through the transparent substrate and into the all-glass double cladded fiber and the v-groove couples the light into the all-glass double cladded fiber. Alternatively, the substrate may be eliminated and the light directly coupled into the all-glass double cladded fiber.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed pump module for use with fiber devices is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclosed enable a pump module to be constructed that has a high coupling tolerance and which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The pump module may comprise a transparent window through which a pump beam is coupled from a laser diode into the inner cladding of a double cladding fiber. The transparent window also may serve as a substrate for the inner cladding of the double cladding fiber. The laser diode is sealed within the pump module housing with a lid and the window, which is bonded to the lid. The housing may contain a heat sink, heat-spreading sub-mount and a Peltier cooler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of coupling pump light from an extended source to an optical waveguide is disclosed. The coupling is preferably achieved through the use of a v-groove in the optical waveguide and an angle-selective mechanism that enables the angular distributions of the pump light to be optimized for optimal coupling via facets of the v-groove. Embodiments of the apparatus use a wedge, a double wedge, mirrors, or composite lenses to affect the angle selection of the pump light.