Category: Fiber Laser Technology

Expanding applications of fiber laser technology

Laser systems become an integral part of human life; fiber laser technology continues to develop, leading to the appearance of new applications and expanding the old ones. For instance, a team of scientists from Japan has presented novel linear nanomotors that can be moved in controlled directions by applying a laser beam.

These fiber lasers used in nanomotors make it possible to develop new microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems with optically actuated pumps and valves or other devices based on fiber laser technology that can be previously challenging or even impossible to perform.

Challenges of nanoscale devices

Nanoscale devices greatly differ from the ones involving the contraptions that researchers have used to employed. For example, it is more challenging to produce and accurately control a nanomotor (the tiny motor that is smaller than a bacterium) based on the laser system than to drive a car.

Development of gold nanorod-based motors

The recent development of the Japanese team includes a fiber laser system used in linear motors made from gold nanorods that allow for moving in a controlled direction when subjected to a laser beam. The operating principle is similar to a sailboat that can be directed in any desired position.

Principles of nanomotor operation

Such nanomotors’ operation does not lead to following the direction of the laser beam. Their operation is based on the orientation, even when they are subjected to a laser beam emitting from another angle. Thus, the laser system moves due to the lateral optical force produced by the sideways scattering of the laser beam from the particles.

Advantages of the new fiber laser system

There is no need to direct or shape the laser beam with lenses, which was quite challenging previously. Compared to previous systems, the wavelength of light produced by the fiber laser does not influence or limit the size of new nanomotors.

Key role of plasmon resonance

The laser beam or the field gradient does not define the motion and does not restrain it; the direction is based on the orientation of the nanoparticles themselves. “The key to this fiber laser technology is the localized surface plasmon resonance – collective oscillations of free electrons – within periodic arrays of nanorods.” They emit a scattered laser beam in a particular direction.

Future applications of nanomotors

The team of scientists plans to apply this fiber laser system to develop a new platform for nano-sized devices with moving parts that follow predetermined paths while being directed by unfocused laser beams. Thus, they claim the cost and complexity of such systems can be significantly reduced while accuracy and robustness will increase.

The challenge of coherence in fiber lasers

According to a team of researchers from Australia, the coherence of laser systems can be significantly improved by overcoming limitations that have been considered to be fundamental for 60 years. Fiber lasers produce highly directional, monochromatic, coherent laser beam light.

Importance of coherence

The light is produced by the laser system as a narrow laser beam in a specific direction. The wavelength and phase of every photon are equal. The coherence of a laser beam, in turn, is regarded as “the number of photons that can be emitted in this manner, which is a property crucial in determining the performance of a fiber laser in precision tasks like quantum computing.”

Historical quantum limits

A quantum limit of laser beam coherence is not a new phenomenon, and it was discovered in the 1960s. There is a theory that the coherence of the fiber laser system is less than the square of the number of photons. The researchers suggest a way to apply laser beam energy to the system and how it is released to create the beam.

Role of quantum mechanics

Even though these suggestions are suitable for most standard laser systems, they are not obligatory when it comes to quantum mechanics. The ability of researchers to develop and control quantum systems has transformed the conception of what is practical. Numerous studies allow for a better understanding of quantum processes occurring in fiber lasers.

Novel approach to overcome coherence limits

The team of researchers from Australia has applied numerical simulations to show that it is possible to overcome the limitations of fiber laser systems. The fiber laser technology has already been tested and demonstrated that the laser beam coherence is less than the fourth power of the number of photons.

Higher photon storage and quantum models

When the stored number of photons in the fiber laser is large, as is generally the case, the upper limit is much higher than before. Also, the researchers have developed a quantum mechanical model for a fiber laser system that could reach this upper limit for coherence in theory.

Future applications of quantum-limited fiber lasers

Much time is required to create a super laser system. However, this fiber laser technology proves that the production of a quantum-limited fiber laser is possible by employing the superconducting technique. This kind of technology is also applied in the modern best quantum computers.
The developed fiber laser may have applications in that field. Thus, new fiber laser systems allow for expanding new applications and promoting new research into more energy-efficient laser systems.

Novel fiber laser systems for cancer detection

Novel fiber laser systems have been developed by an international team of researchers to provide efficient detection of cancerous cells during the surgical process. The fiber laser is a part of a compact multimodal imaging system that enables testing tissue samples directly during surgery.

Combining imaging techniques in one system

Usually, microscopes based on fiber laser technology apply only one imaging technique (confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, or Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy). Nevertheless, their combination in a single fiber laser system provides faster and robust information about tissues and possible diseases.
Even though these techniques can lead to making excitation laser systems complex, large, and expensive, this research is very promising. The team plans to produce a fiber laser that emits several excitation wavelengths and various laser beam pulse durations. This fiber laser technology allows combining several techniques in one compact device.

Precise detection of tumor margins

The fiber laser system helps to test tissue samples directly after surgery or even during it, resulting in more precise detection of tumor margins. “Combining three methods allows superimposing several levels of information and thus obtaining a more precise picture of the cells.”
These fiber lasers provide a simpler way to distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones. Now, researchers are developing an ultrashort laser beam pulse source for the new laser system. This source will synchronously pump two optical parametric oscillators.
It is planned that the fiber laser system will emit several laser beam outputs with tunable wavelengths. These laser beam pulses are generated in both the femtosecond and picosecond range. The fiber laser technology is considered to be very promising for the three imaging techniques in a multimodal system.

Advantages and future applications

It is required to produce a quick electronic system to monitor the fiber laser in the multimodal system. The laser system will operate with the microscope’s scanner technology. A benefit of a novel fiber laser system as favorable thermal properties remove the need for additional air-cooling.
Advantages of fiber laser technology make the imaging system less expensive, more energy-efficient, and smaller than traditional microscopes with titanium-sapphire laser systems. The potential applications of novel fiber laser systems include the detection of drugs and nanoparticles in tissues and cells, or the testing of cosmetic products.

Overview of fiber laser applications

Since the end of the last century, fiber lasers have been considered to be elements of different scientific directions, starting from the telecom market and ending with the medical procedure market. They are widely used in a variety of advanced and scientific laser applications.

Key features driving popularity

Different wavelength ranges, short pulse durations, nonreactivity to environmental conditions, small size, and other important factors of fiber laser designs play a crucial role in their popularity among the scientific and government communities. Fiber laser technology often solves problems that other modern technologies can not. Industrial fiber lasers are found in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, transport, consumer devices, and other industries.

Evolution of fiber laser usage

From the very beginning, when the fiber lasers were implemented, they were in great demand for the processing of metals. Now they are applied for 3D printing, surface cleaning and modification, and many microprocessing methods of a great variety of materials.

Advantages of modern fiber laser modules

Fiber laser modules can provide higher output powers and laser beams of good quality. They encourage efficient energy consumption, resistance to vibration, and environmental conditions. That’s why it’s no wonder they make a fast return on investment.

Revolution in fiber laser technology

The first fiber lasers were mostly ineffective. But then new methods of delivering the pump light into the cladding were discovered. These methods allowed making fiber lasers more powerful and showing their true potential. It was a revolution in fiber laser systems, and the new era began. As a result of this revolution, fiber laser modules were adapted to mass production.

Future potential and reliability

Fiber lasers proved to be a reliable and powerful instrument for different applications. They are present in a wide range of different scientific spheres and directions. However, they still have a great development potential that continues to grow.

Importance of laser marking for traceability

Laser marking has become a key tool for ensuring transparency and accuracy within the production chain. Modern fiber laser systems make it possible to mark components even before heat treatment and keep the marks clearly readable afterward. This breakthrough has completely transformed how industries approach product traceability.

Definition of traceability

Traceability refers to the ability to follow each component or finished product throughout every stage of the supply chain. While most marking methods lose their clarity during processing, fiber laser engraving maintains sharp, legible identifiers even after exposure to extreme temperatures or surface changes.

Advantages of fiber laser marking

Unlike traditional marking technologies, fiber lasers generate deep, high-contrast engravings that remain consistent despite deformation or heating. When a material expands and contracts under temperature changes, typical identifiers can blur or fade — but laser marks stay precise and easy to read.

Customization and reliability of fiber laser identifiers

Fiber laser equipment supports full customization: from adjusting mark size and layout to encoding individual production data. This flexibility ensures reliable identification for various industries — from aerospace to automotive manufacturing — while meeting strict quality standards.

Fiber laser construction and requirements

A fiber laser operates through a specially treated optical fiber infused with rare-earth elements. These dopants help convert low electrical input into concentrated light output. For durable markings, lasers usually work at 50–100 watts. Stable environmental conditions also play a role: high IP protection prevents moisture and dust from interfering with performance, maintaining accuracy during long-term use.

Etching quality and information retention

Fiber laser etching creates finely detailed marks with well-defined spacing between engraved elements. Because of this precision, information remains intact even after heat treatment or wear, allowing each item to store identification data throughout its life cycle.

Efficiency in the supply chain

Fiber laser marking allows unique product identification without interrupting production flow. It integrates smoothly into automated lines and helps manufacturers maintain traceability standards across all stages of production.

Importance of fiber laser technology in Industry 4.0

Science has always aimed to develop more efficient fiber laser technology for manufacturing. This technology is a crucial element of the new industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. One key aspect is ultrafast fiber lasers, which allow processes to be performed at high speeds. 3D printing is one field where ultrafast fiber lasers can be effectively applied.

German scientists are demonstrating how 3D-printed components can be welded with a fiber laser. Their goal is to create an expert system to optimize additive manufacturing processes. The printed units can subsequently be welded using a fiber laser.

Challenges in fiber laser transmission welding

Fiber laser transmission welding is already recognized as an industrial joining process for plastic components. However, 3D-printed components present a challenge due to cavities and boundary layers that prevent uniform weld creation. Components may appear identical externally but have different internal structures. Researchers aim to design a fiber laser system with unified process knowledge, eliminating the need for detailed analysis of each component for welding.

For fiber laser welding, researchers are studying fused deposition modeling, where thin strands of molten plastic are layered sequentially. The developing fiber laser system will provide data on the material, layer thickness, and other factors, ensuring maximum laser beam permeability.

Measuring transmission for process control

The research team is developing a method to measure transmission with spatial resolution, identifying points where the laser beam passes through and other critical factors. This information will be used to control the fiber laser welding process. The system can adjust fiber laser power: increasing it where transmission is low and decreasing it where transmission is high.

Welding different thermoplastics with fiber lasers

Fiber laser transmission welding can join units made from different thermoplastics. For example, a transparent and a non-transparent plastic component can be welded together. The laser passes through the transparent part and is absorbed by the non-transparent part, converting light into thermal energy. This melts the plastic in the joining area, forming a weld seam.

The newly developed fiber laser design simplifies the optimization of manufacturing processes for enterprises.

Applications and advantages of high-power ultrafast lasers

High-power ultrafast lasers have diverse applications due to their short pulse durations and high peak powers. Ultrafast lasers are used in materials processing, medical fiber lasers, microscopy, and more. These fiber lasers offer high power, but the technology is sensitive to effects like thermal lensing.

Thermal lensing in ultrafast lasers

Thermal lensing occurs in ultrafast laser gain media, especially at higher power levels. It significantly limits beam quality and output power. Thermal lensing reduces ultrafast laser performance and can disrupt mode-locking and pulse generation. In high-power systems, it can cause system failure and introduce astigmatism in the laser cavity. Ultrafast lasers operate in continuous-wave (CW) mode for cavity alignment, then switch to pulsed mode for use. Thermal lensing can interfere with this operation.

Methods to minimize thermal lensing

If pulsed beams are affected, ultrafast lasers become ineffective. However, several strategies can manipulate the thermal properties of gain media to prevent thermal lensing. One approach is using proper dispersive mirror coatings. Highly dispersive intracavity mirrors help minimize thermal lensing effects.

These advancements allow the production of high-power ultrafast lasers with intracavity optics that minimize thermal effects. The technology stabilizes beam quality and pulse compression while reducing harmful thermal effects.

Development of ultrafast mirrors

Highly dispersive ultrafast mirrors have been developed to maintain reflectivity and pulse compression while minimizing thermal effects, achieved through precise coating techniques. Some ultrafast laser systems do not need this technology, as thermal lensing is not significant in low-average-power lasers or systems without a solid-state cavity. However, high-power solid-state ultrafast lasers benefit greatly from thermal-lensing reduction.

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.