Month: September 2025

The most common myths in fiber laser maintenance

Fiber lasers in modern industry

High-powered fiber lasers have a wide range of applications across industries. As new uses emerge, more manufacturers recognize industrial fiber laser systems as reliable and cost-effective. Like other industrial tools, fiber laser technology has advanced significantly over the past decades. However, some myths about their operation and maintenance still exist. Here are the most common ones.

Common myths in fiber laser maintenance

Myth 1: Fiber lasers don’t require much monitoring

The first myth is that fiber lasers require little monitoring. CO2 lasers were originally used as industrial tools due to low operating costs and simple maintenance. Fiber lasers changed the industry by offering improved beam quality and lower maintenance. Despite this, fiber laser modules still contain physical components that can fail over time, especially in harsh industrial environments. Periodic maintenance is therefore necessary to maintain efficiency and control operational costs.

Myth 2: Increasing power fixes performance issues

Another myth is that raising the power solves performance issues. Performance loss usually stems from factors such as thermal effects caused by aged, damaged, or contaminated optics, reducing power density. Modern fiber laser measurement tools help diagnose and optimize these systems.

Myth 3: Measurements are not costly or slow

A third myth is that measurements are costly and slow. Advances in optical components and computing have made fiber laser measurement tools smaller, faster, and more affordable. They can now be embedded in other systems, and fiber lasers are easier to operate in harsh production environments.

Myth 4: Performance management requires proper measurement

Another myth is that performance can be managed without measurement. Without key performance data, operators risk inconsistencies and scrapped parts. Regular measurements ensure consistent performance, lower power consumption, and higher profitability.

Myth 5: Modern measurements outperform old technologies

The fifth myth is that old measurement technologies are sufficient. Relying on outdated tools limits data collection. Modern fiber laser measurement products provide more detailed performance analysis for short or long-term use.

In conclusion, collecting more performance data improves industrial processes.

Fiber laser development for fast materials processing

Experimental development of high-power fiber lasers

Specialists in fiber laser technology from Germany and Israel are conducting experiments with a newly developed fiber laser for industrial use. The system is based on the Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) method, which is still relatively new for high-power fiber lasers.

According to the researchers, the 13-kilowatt fiber laser can rapidly create various energy distribution patterns during operation, allowing precise and efficient processing of demanding materials. The goal is to make this innovative technology available to companies and manufacturers worldwide. The team expects these experiments to open new laser applications, making a significant contribution to fields such as medical technology and aerospace.

Innovations in laser beam shaping

Dynamic beam shaping for additive manufacturing

The research team is now studying laser beam shaping accelerated by a factor of 1000, applied for the first time in additive manufacturing. They use the Coherent Beam Combining method, where the Dynamic Beam Laser merges many individual beams into one powerful, high-quality beam. Tiny phase shifts in the individual beams allow the fiber laser to quickly generate different energy distribution patterns.

New energy patterns for improved processing

The new fiber laser system can form specific energy patterns on workpieces, such as a horseshoe or a ring. In contrast, conventional fiber lasers concentrate most of the energy in the beam center. Previously, such shaping was possible only with beam-deflecting optics or oscillating mirrors, which required milliseconds to change patterns. The new fiber laser performs these adjustments 1000 times faster — within microseconds — enabling its use in metal additive manufacturing.

Applications in additive manufacturing and industry

Metal 3D printing

The researchers aim to develop a modern fiber laser system for additive manufacturing of titanium and aluminum alloys, widely used in aerospace components and implants. They plan to apply dynamic laser beam shaping to eliminate defects and improve 3D printing quality. Novel beam shapes could also help overcome challenges with crack-sensitive materials.

Potential industrial impact

The experiments will show whether the new fiber laser system can be used for metal additive manufacturing. The proven advantages in quality and speed already make this technology promising for metalworking, electromobility, and aerospace industries.

High-energy fiber laser weapon for the U.S. Army

U.S. Army testing and deployment plans

The U.S. Army is conducting final tests of a high-energy fiber laser weapon. This system can be used against rockets, drones, and other aerial threats. These fiber lasers are installed on military vehicles and have already participated in various combat simulations. The first platoon equipped with these systems was expected to be deployed in 2022.

History and development of fiber lasers

Initially, fiber lasers were viewed as part of science fiction. They were first invented in the 1960s. Over the years, scientists developed higher-power fiber laser systems while making them smaller. This made it possible to use laser modules in tactical environments and reduce space requirements.

Expansion into military applications

With continuous improvements, fiber laser technology has become one of the most advanced modern fields, applicable in almost every area. The military is no exception. For example, the Navy is running a program to install a fiber laser weapon on a destroyer. This system provides new energy capabilities, optical dazzler technology, and long-range intelligence support. High-energy fiber laser systems are also being tested to disable enemy drones.

Tactical advantages of fiber laser weapons

Fiber laser weapons have become a reality and are expected to play a key role on future battlefields. Development accelerated in recent decades due to the growing threats of armed drones and rocket attacks. As reaction time to such threats is limited, it was important to create compact and powerful laser systems capable of responding within seconds.

Engineering challenges and solutions

It was a major challenge for engineers to design a laser module powerful enough to neutralize a mortar shell from a mile away. This became possible thanks to technology that combines multiple laser beams into a single high-power output.

Operational benefits

Fiber lasers provide strong defense against unmanned aircraft systems and artillery. They enhance the Army’s air and missile defense capabilities while reducing overall life cycle costs and logistical demands. The plan included deploying four battalions equipped with these systems by 2022. This is not the final step: the Army is developing a more powerful 300 kW laser module to be mounted on a truck, expected to enter service in 2024. This laser would be capable of disabling cruise missiles.

Applications of nanosecond fiber lasers in different fields

Overview of nanosecond fiber laser applications

Laser cutting is one of the most popular material processing applications for fiber lasers, excluding marking. While cutting is typically performed with high-power CO₂ or fiber lasers, marking is primarily done using nanosecond fiber lasers.

Nanosecond fiber lasers are used in micromachining processes such as drilling, engraving, and cutting due to their control and versatility. Although they deliver only a few millijoules of pulse energy, they provide high peak power and excellent beam quality, making them ideal for various niche applications.

Advantages in high-speed processing

Nanosecond fiber lasers are often used with scanner-based beam delivery systems that enhance processing speed. When power density is insufficient, surface marking can shift toward deeper engraving, suitable only for materials of certain thickness. These lasers also have specific applications in battery manufacturing.

Replacing traditional processes

Nanosecond fiber lasers may replace traditional slitting and stamping processes thanks to their flexibility and control. Single-mode lasers are effective for cutting bare metal foils, offering high speed and excellent edge quality. However, they are not suitable for cutting coated electrodes.

Applications in different industries

Nanosecond fiber lasers are widely used for scribing in the solar industry. They help reduce resistive losses and improve overall performance, offering high-quality results with minimal thermal damage.

Nanosecond fiber lasers are widely used in the jewelry industry. Their high peak power allows effective processing of metals such as silver and gold. They are ideal for marking, cutting, and engraving, giving manufacturers greater flexibility. Another application is wire cutting, suitable for both soft and hard metals.

Nanosecond fiber lasers are used not only for metals but also for other materials. They are effective for cutting and marking complex components in industries such as medical device manufacturing. Suitable materials include silicon, ceramics, plastics, and polymers.

In conclusion, nanosecond fiber lasers have proven to be cost-effective solutions for cutting both hard and soft materials. Engineers and manufacturers should consider them for innovative manufacturing applications.

Forecast for fiber laser weapon system market

Market growth and technological improvements

According to specialists, the fiber laser weapon system market is expected to grow by 19.3% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is driven by technological improvements in fiber laser weapon systems and advancements in fiber laser technology, leading to high-energy weapons with an extended range.

Contributions of laser weapon companies

Laser weapon companies significantly contributed to fiber laser technology by developing new systems and demonstrating improved versions with better performance. For example, specialists created a fiber laser system for the US Navy by combining three components — laser weapon, long-range ISR, and counter-UAS capabilities — enhancing situational awareness and layered defense. As a result, evolving fiber laser designs offer customers more options and expand the market volume.

Impact of COVID-19 on the fiber laser market

COVID-19 greatly affected all economic sectors, including fiber laser weapon systems. North America, especially the USA, was the most impacted. Experts estimate that the defense equipment manufacturing industry faced 4–12 weeks of delays in the military supply chain, which disrupted production in 2020. However, the recovery of the defense industry is expected to be faster than in other military sectors, despite delays in modernization projects.

Fiber laser system design and advantages

Fiber lasers consist of three-layer optical fiber, where light from diode lasers is pumped into the core. The laser light travels along the fiber with multiple internal reflections. Due to their compact size, fiber laser systems are suitable for ships, ground vehicles, and helicopters, while offering extremely high power.

Customizability and efficiency

They are also easily customizable and provide cleaner, more efficient solutions. These advantages are expected to boost demand and drive market growth. Despite supply chain disruptions and economic challenges that reduced export revenue, the development of trade relations is likely to restore the fiber laser market position.

Most common applications of the fiber laser systems

Nowadays, fiber laser systems are used in many areas such as the military, industry, and medicine. Due to rapid fiber laser development, significant progress has been achieved in science and technology. This article focuses on fiber lasers — from their key features to the systems and applications.

Fiber laser characteristics

Fiber lasers have a range of characteristics that make work processes easier and measurements more efficient. Their main advantages include compact size, reliability, low maintenance cost, and simple thermal management. These qualities make fiber lasers suitable for environmental monitoring, telecommunications, medical treatment and diagnostics, and material processing.

The continuous development of fiber lasers significantly impacts daily life. Performance improvements result from advances in design and fiber materials. Scientists have optimized laser output power, wavelength range, and integration with compact system designs.

Fiber laser systems applications

Small and mid-size laser modules are among the most popular and convenient options. Combined with process management and control software, fiber lasers offer time- and labor-saving advantages in cutting, marking, and welding. Compact fiber laser designs provide high-quality performance across different applications.

3D printing

For example, laser modules are widely used in 3D printing due to their speed and quality advantages. Tests show that fiber lasers increase build rates while maintaining high quality and consistency. Specialists can adjust the laser beam size and shape in real time without complex optics.

Welding

In welding, laser modules attract attention due to the demand for processing smaller components. They are widely used in battery welding, turbine engine production, and the automotive industry. This popularity is driven by their speed, consistency, and automation potential. Compared to manual welding, laser welding techniques are much easier and more precise.

Finishing, cleaning, and marking

Fiber laser systems are also used for finishing and cleaning to improve the appearance of weld seams or prepare surfaces. They are widely applied in marking products and parts for tracking and traceability, especially in aerospace, firearms, and medical industries.

Overall, the demand for fiber laser systems continues to grow every year. They are already used in many fields and are expected to expand further. Their success is driven by high productivity and ease of use.

Fiber lasers for aesthetic treatments

Fiber Lasers’ Medicine Applications

Fiber lasers have rapidly become one of the most popular instruments due to their numerous benefits. They have impacted many areas, including industry and science. Medicine is no exception.

Laser modules are widely used in medicine, from diagnostics to micro-cutting in surgery. The advancement of fiber laser technology has simplified procedures for both medical personnel and patients in urology, spinal surgery, brain treatment, ophthalmology, and more.

The first commercially available fiber lasers enabled their use in multiple fields. High demand arose as healthcare required improvements, driving rapid growth and innovation in fiber laser technology.

Fiber lasers are also used in aesthetic treatments such as skin resurfacing and tattoo removal, which require high-energy lasers. Previously, CO2 lasers dominated this area, but recent studies confirm the effectiveness of fiber lasers. Their use in cosmetic and plastic procedures offers lower risk and excellent results. This non-invasive method requires minimal recovery time. Overall, fiber lasers are unique light sources with significant performance advantages.

The versatility of fiber lasers makes them effective across many areas. Key advantages include: high precision; contactless operation; compact size; high efficiency; excellent beam quality; and cost-effectiveness.

The diversity of fiber laser applications in medicine

Many articles about lasers on the Web focus on high-power fiber lasers, which are impressive, linked to science fiction, and widely used in industry. However, fiber lasers are also popular in other fields. Though less powerful, they have found applications in medicine.

Fiber laser technology benefits

Fiber laser technology has a significant impact in medicine by enabling new applications. Their unique features and versatility allow use in diagnostic imaging and surgery. Despite lower power, they provide high accuracy. Fiber lasers enable safe, contactless procedures for patients. Medical staff find them easy to use due to their compact design. Different fiber lasers operate in unique ways and can be used for various treatments. The laser beam can be delivered continuously or in pulses. Adjusting the wavelength allows specialists to control the effect on tissue and achieve desired results. These parameters can be customized during manufacturing.

Most common applications of fiber lasers

Specialists can now detect various diseases by observing changes in molecular composition. For instance, endoscopic fiber catheters provide imaging diagnostics during artery bypass surgery.

Fiber lasers with broad spectra are used in OCT to capture cross-sectional diagnostic images.

Procedures like tattoo removal or skin resurfacing often use CO2 lasers. Recent studies show that conventional fiber lasers can also be effective.

Laser surgery employs light beams for operations. When the laser hits the skin, it may reflect, scatter, or penetrate tissue layers. Certain areas absorb the light, causing tissue changes. Fiber lasers are often used to shrink or destroy tumors and seal small blood vessels to prevent bleeding.

Overall, fiber laser systems remain highly effective medical tools, trusted by specialists and patients alike.

Fiber lasers technology applications for cancer operations

Fiber laser technology in medicine

Fiber laser technology has become one of the most powerful instruments in medicine, including cancer treatment. Laser therapy uses an intensely focused laser beam to destroy or shrink cancer cells. It can remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue. The therapy targets a specific part of the body to prevent further disease progression.

Tumor cells absorb light at different wavelengths compared to healthy cells. Selecting the appropriate fiber laser wavelength allows effective destruction of tumor cells.

Application of fiber laser therapy

Fiber laser treatment is mainly used in surgery, especially in complex operations with high patient risk. Fiber laser systems reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. They allow specialists to seal lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, and blood vessels, minimizing complications during and after surgery. Fiber lasers can be applied at various cancer stages. They help limit the spread of cancer cells, treat precancerous cells on organ surfaces, and alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer. Fiber laser modules can destroy portions of tumors. Fiber laser therapy is now often delivered via a flexible endoscopic fiber catheter. This narrow tube monitors internal tissues and delivers light directly to the therapy site. Specialists can destroy or cut tumors with precise laser beams.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to conventional surgery, fiber lasers have several advantages. They more accurately seal cut tissues, causing less damage. Patients experience reduced pain and scarring. Operations take less time, recovery is faster, and some procedures can be performed in a doctor’s office rather than a hospital.

Despite these benefits, fiber laser therapy has some drawbacks. It is more expensive than conventional tools, though specialized equipment is often cost-effective due to convenience. Laser therapy requires trained personnel, which can be a challenge for hospitals. The effects may not always be long-lasting, sometimes requiring repeat procedures. Overall, fiber laser systems provide more benefits than drawbacks, improving safety and convenience for patients and doctors.

Fiber laser systems kill bacteria in the human body

Fiber laser systems kill bacteria

Recently, scientists have developed new fiber laser systems capable of killing bacterial superbugs and spores. Bacteria that threaten human life adapt to medicines, including antibiotics. This prompted developers to explore alternative treatments. In some cases, the solution is a special ultrashort-pulse fiber laser.

Fiber laser modules’ effects

Researchers in the United States discovered that fiber lasers emitting ultrashort pulses can eliminate drug-resistant bacteria. They studied the germicidal properties of ultrashort-pulse lasers and found that fiber laser modules can inactivate bacteria and viruses without harming human cells. They tested common viruses and bacteria, including those causing skin, organ, urinary tract, and wound infections, as well as spores responsible for food spoilage and poisoning, some of which resist cooking and boiling.

All bacteria and viruses contain protein structures. The ultrashort-pulse fiber laser makes these structures vibrate until molecular bonds break, causing faulty linkages that stop normal protein function.

Importance of laser power

To achieve the desired results, scientists must provide precise laser power. Different pathogens require specific laser powers. If the power is too high, human cells can be damaged. Therefore, there is an optimal power range that destroys pathogens while keeping human cells intact.

Future of this fiber laser technology

Developers envision ultrashort-pulse fiber laser technology as a way to inactivate pathogens while preserving human proteins and cells. It could disinfect surgical wounds or treat bloodstream infections. This technology may also replace harmful chemicals like bleach or radiation, providing safer handling of biological and blood products.

Results show fiber lasers can kill about 99.9% of target bacteria and reduce their quantity by 1,000 times, without harming human cells, making them suitable for wound sterilization and disinfection.