Single-Mode Fiber Laser produces bright, 10 kW output.
Press Release Summary:
Able to produce 9.6 kW of single-mode power through one fiber at total efficiency exceeding 23%, YLS-10000-SM commercial solid-state production laser is suited for use in remote cutting/welding and directed energy applications. Its optical scheme consists of fully-integrated MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier), with output delivery fiber 4 m long directly spliced into power amp. Brightness is enhanced by output power and Gaussian beam quality at 1,070 nm emission wavelength.
Original Press Release:
IPG Photonics Successfully Tests World's First 10 Kilowatt Single-Mode Production Laser
World's Brightest Commercial Solid State Laser Enables New Applications Munich, Germany, June 16, 2009 -- IPG Photonics Corporation, a pioneer and global leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers, announced today the successful test of its new ten kilowatt single-mode fiber laser, a world record in a production laser. The unique laser produces 9.6 kilowatts of single-mode power through a single fiber at total efficiency exceeding 23%. IPG's new kilowatt laser has multiple applications including remote cutting and welding as well as directed energy. Representing the latest development in the power scaling of IPG Photonics' patented high-power single-mode fiber laser technology, the laser's optical scheme consists of a fully-integrated MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier) with an output delivery fiber four meters long directly spliced into the power amplifier. The Company's ten kilowatt single-mode laser, the YLS-10000-SM, will be the world's brightest industrial CW solid state laser, given the combination of output power and virtually perfect Gaussian beam-quality at 1070 nm emission wavelength. Developed by its subsidiary IPG Laser GmbH, the YLS-10000-SM is a turn-key package that offers a small footprint and record efficiency wall-plug. "The ten kilowatt fiber laser builds on our prior success with the five kilowatt single-mode lasers we introduced earlier this year" stated Dr. Valentin Gapontsev, Chief Executive Officer of IPG Photonics and an inventor of the new laser. "However, we designed a new state-of-the-art power amplifier to overcome thermal limitations, avoid higher order modes and non-linear effects, despite the enormous power density at this output level" he added. "Industrial customers can now use fiber lasers for applications which were not previously possible with other lasers, such as remote cutting and welding without expensive assist gases in the infrastructure, automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding industries" said Bill Shiner, Vice President of Industrial Markets. "Mobile applications such as bridge construction and repair and ship and airplane paint removal can now take advantage of higher output powers in a mobile and robust laser package to increase the distance to the work piece." This industrial product also has applications in tactical directed energy markets. The combination of ten kilowatts of output power with near-perfect beam quality and the inherent reliability, efficiency and ruggedness of a fiber laser in a compact package is a compelling solution for a variety of tactical directed energy applications. IPG is taking orders for the YLS-10000-SM. Visit IPG at World of Photonics, Munich, Germany, June 15-18, Booth #370, Hall C2 for more information. About IPG Photonics Corporation IPG Photonics Corporation is the world leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers for use in a wide range of applications such as materials processing, advanced applications, telecommunications and medical applications. Fiber lasers have revolutionized the industry by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional lasers, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease operating costs. IPG has its headquarters in Oxford, Massachusetts, and has additional plants and offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.ipgphotonics.com. CONTACT: Bill Shiner Vice President-Industrial Markets IPG Photonics Corporation (508) 373-1100 bshiner@ipgphotonics.com Michael O'Connor Director of Advanced Applications IPG Photonics Corporation (508) 373-1271 moconnor@ipgphotonics.com
