Abstract: Methods and systems providing laser outputs are disclosed. A first laser input from a first pump laser source has a first average power, and a second laser input from a second pump laser source has a second average power. A first laser output is generated based on conversion of the first laser input and the second laser input at the first state. After generating the first laser output, the second laser input is provided at a second state with the second average power remaining unchanged. After generating the first laser output, a second laser output is generated based on conversion of the first laser input and the second laser input at the second state. Combined powers of the first laser input and the second laser input remain the same when generating the first and second laser outputs, but powers of the first and second laser outputs are different.

Abstract: This application relates generally to an optical fiber for the delivery of infrared light where the polarization state of the light entering the fiber is preserved upon exiting the fiber and the related methods for making thereof. The optical fiber has a wavelength between about 0.9 ?m and 15 ?m, comprises at least one infrared-transmitting glass, and has a polarization-maintaining (PM) transverse cross-sectional structure. The infrared-transmitting, polarization-maintaining (IR-PM) optical fiber has a birefringence greater than 10?5 and has applications in dual-use technologies including laser power delivery, sensing and imaging.

Abstract: This application relates generally to an optical fiber for the delivery of infrared light where the polarization state of the light entering the fiber is preserved upon exiting the fiber and the related methods for making thereof. The optical fiber has a wavelength between about 0.9 ?m and 15 ?m, comprises at least one infrared-transmitting glass, and has a polarization-maintaining (PM) transverse cross-sectional structure. The infrared-transmitting, polarization-maintaining (IR-PM) optical fiber has a birefringence greater than 10?5 and has applications in dual-use technologies including laser power delivery, sensing and imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of flash sintering a sample composed of ceramic particles by providing laser energy to change the electrical properties of the ceramic material. The processes and systems disclosed herein do not require large heating equipment like a furnace allowing for a portable system of repairing ceramic materials in the field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first photonic crystal fiber. The first photonic crystal fiber includes a first dispersion at a pump wavelength. The first photonic crystal fiber includes a zero dispersion. The pump wavelength is within 100 nm of the zero dispersion. The first dispersion is normal. The first photonic crystal fiber includes a first mode field diameter at the pump wavelength. The apparatus also includes a second photonic crystal fiber coupled to the first photonic crystal fiber and outputs a broadband spectrum. The second photonic crystal fiber includes a second dispersion at the pump wavelength. The second dispersion is anomalous. The second dispersion is negative, and the first dispersion is positive. The second photonic crystal fiber includes a second mode field diameter at the pump wavelength. The second mode field diameter is smaller than the first mode field diameter.

Abstract: Fiber optic amplification includes a photonic crystal fiber coupled to a pump laser through a first coupler. The pump laser emits a first electromagnetic radiation wave into the photonic crystal fiber at a first oscillation frequency and a second electromagnetic radiation wave into the photonic crystal fiber at a second oscillation frequency equaling the first oscillation frequency. The first and second electromagnetic radiation waves interact to generate a signal comprising an electromagnetic radiation wave at a third oscillation frequency and an idler comprising a fourth electromagnetic radiation wave at a fourth oscillation frequency to be generated and amplified through parametric amplification. Parametric amplification is achieved by four wave mixing. The photonic crystal fiber emits a parametric output signal based on the four wave mixing. A nonlinear crystal frequency doubles the parametric output signal through second-harmonic generation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an amplified spontaneous emission source, which in turn includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a solid core and a first end. The solid core includes a silica matrix. The silica matrix includes a rare-earth element and a glass co-dopant. The rare-earth element includes dysprosium or neodymium. The glass co-dopant includes Al2O3. The apparatus further includes a laser pump diode coupled to the first end of the optical fiber. The laser pump diode and the optical fiber cooperate to generate a spontaneous spectral emission confined to the solid core. The spontaneous spectral emission includes a simultaneous plurality of spectral regions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an amplified spontaneous emission source, which in turn includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a solid core and a first end. The solid core includes a silica matrix. The silica matrix includes a rare-earth element and a glass co-dopant. The rare-earth element includes dysprosium or neodymium. The glass co-dopant includes Al2O3. The apparatus further includes a laser pump diode coupled to the first end of the optical fiber. The laser pump diode and the optical fiber cooperate to generate a spontaneous spectral emission confined to the solid core. The spontaneous spectral emission includes a simultaneous plurality of spectral regions.

Abstract: An optical fiber with multiple openings made from the steps comprising fabricating an extrusion die using at least one additive manufacturing technique such that the extrusion die has a first set of plurality of channels that combine inside the die into a second set of plurality of channels with a different set of shapes and sizes, extruding a glass through the extrusion die, forming a fiber optic preform having a plurality of longitudinal openings that run the entire length of the fiber optic preform, attaching a barrier layer to the fiber optic preform to form a series of channels to which pressure can be applied by a gas, wherein each channel has a pressure that is independently controlled, and stretching the fiber optic preform at an elevated temperature into an optical fiber with multiple openings.

Abstract: This application relates generally to an optical fiber for the delivery of infrared light where the polarization state of the light entering the fiber is preserved upon exiting the fiber and the related methods for making thereof. The optical fiber has a wavelength between about 0.9 ?m and 15 ?m, comprises at least one infrared-transmitting glass, and has a polarization-maintaining (PM) transverse cross-sectional structure. The infrared-transmitting, polarization-maintaining (IR-PM) optical fiber has a birefringence greater than 10?5 and has applications in dual-use technologies including laser power delivery, sensing and imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for splicing crystal fibers to silica glass fibers. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanically stable bonds with negligible optical transmission loss by splicing fibers through a thermally enhanced reaction bonding process at lower temperatures than the melting point of the crystal. In an embodiment, mixing of the materials at elevated temperatures forms a stable intermediary material which enhances strength and reduces the transmission losses.

Abstract: Fiber optic amplification includes a photonic crystal fiber coupled to a pump laser through a first coupler. The pump laser emits a first electromagnetic radiation wave into the photonic crystal fiber at a first oscillation frequency and a second electromagnetic radiation wave into the photonic crystal fiber at a second oscillation frequency equaling the first oscillation frequency. The first and second electromagnetic radiation waves interact to generate a signal comprising an electromagnetic radiation wave at a third oscillation frequency and an idler comprising a fourth electromagnetic radiation wave at a fourth oscillation frequency to be generated and amplified through parametric amplification. Parametric amplification is achieved by four wave mixing. The photonic crystal fiber emits a parametric output signal based on the four wave mixing. A nonlinear crystal frequency doubles the parametric output signal through second-harmonic generation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of flash sintering a sample composed of ceramic particles by providing laser energy to change the electrical properties of the ceramic material. The processes and systems disclosed herein do not require large heating equipment like a furnace allowing for a portable system of repairing ceramic materials in the field.

Abstract: An optical fiber with multiple openings made from the steps comprising fabricating an extrusion die using at least one additive manufacturing technique such that the extrusion die has a first set of plurality of channels that combine inside the die into a second set of plurality of channels with a different set of shapes and sizes, extruding a glass through the extrusion die, forming a fiber optic preform having a plurality of longitudinal openings that run the entire length of the fiber optic preform, attaching a barrier layer to the fiber optic preform to form a series of channels to which pressure can be applied by a gas, wherein each channel has a pressure that is independently controlled, and stretching the fiber optic preform at an elevated temperature into an optical fiber with multiple openings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for splicing crystal fibers to silica glass fibers. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanically stable bonds with negligible optical transmission loss by splicing fibers through a thermally enhanced reaction bonding process at lower temperatures than the melting point of the crystal. In an embodiment, mixing of the materials at elevated temperatures forms a stable intermediary material which enhances strength and reduces the transmission losses.

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a compact light source comprising a microchip laser is launched directly into an infrared fiber without a nonlinear element. Light from the laser is beyond the two-photon absorption of the infrared fiber. The broadband output has a bandwidth greater than the input laser bandwidth by at least 100% and an emission wavelength range from 2 to 14 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber with multiple openings comprising the steps of fabricating an extrusion die using additive manufacturing such that the extrusion die has a plurality of channels that combine inside the die into another set of channels, extruding a glass, forming a fiber optic preform having a plurality of longitudinal openings that run the entire length, attaching a barrier layer for pressure application, and stretching the preform into an optical fiber with multiple openings. An extrusion die comprising an additive manufactured material, having a proximal side having openings and having a distal side having openings, wherein the openings of the proximal side are of feed channels, wherein the openings of the distal side are of forming channels, and wherein in side the body of the die, two of the feed channels combine the forming channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mechanically encapsulating an infrared transmitting optical fiber, removing any power coupled to the cladding of the infrared optical fiber, and bridging the thermal properties between the optical fiber and the mechanical ferrule used. Embodiments of the present disclosure have several advantages over prior systems. For example, in an embodiment, the transmitting ferrule does not require epoxy to mount the fiber to the ferrule, isolates the front face of the fiber, and allows for high power to be incident on the connector without damage by reducing the thermal induced stress and managing any stray light coupled to the core.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for splicing crystal fibers to silica glass fibers. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanically stable bonds with negligible optical transmission loss by splicing fibers through a thermally enhanced reaction bonding process at lower temperatures than the melting point of the crystal. In an embodiment, mixing of the materials at elevated temperatures forms a stable intermediary material which enhances strength and reduces the transmission losses.

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a compact light source comprising a microchip laser is launched directly into an infrared fiber without a nonlinear element. Light from the laser is beyond the two-photon absorption of the infrared fiber. The broadband output has a bandwidth greater than the input laser bandwidth by at least 100% and an emission wavelength range from 2 to 14 micrometers.