Abstract: A system and method for errant laser beam detection are provided for effectively detecting small coating failures in a cost effective and robust manner. In one embodiment, a detection system includes a continuity circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) having metal (e.g., copper) traces which are designed to burn through if an errant beam strikes them. The traces are sized and patterned appropriately to sense a minimum subaperture size.

Abstract: A fiber gain medium assembly is provided. The fiber gain medium assembly includes a fiber gain medium, which in turn, includes a longitudinally extending inner core. The fiber gain medium also includes a cladding layer and a photo-emitting conductive polymer, both of which surround the inner core and extend longitudinally therealong. In this regard, the photo-emitting conductive polymer can surround the cladding layer to thereby surround the inner core. Alternatively, the cladding layer can comprise the photo-emitting conductive polymer. The fiber gain medium assembly can also include an electrical system electrically coupled to the photo-emitting conductive polymer. The electrical system is capable of providing an electric field to thereby excite the photo-emitting conductive polymer to emit photons capable of propagating into the inner core and producing gain for the signals propagating through the inner core.