A unique feature of ultrashort pulse lasers is their ability to enable highly precise micro-processing of almost all materials. They allow for extremely accurate material removal without causing damage to the surrounding area. However, a drawback of such systems is their relatively low adaptability to specific applications and slow processing speeds, which cannot meet the demands for high-speed processing (Industry 4.0). The next-generation laser processing system for fast and precise processing requires an ultrashort pulse source with high average power (in the kilowatt range) and beam splitting for parallel processing. These lasers must also be highly reliable to be integrated into industrial environments operating 24/7. Fiber technology not only ensures high reliability but also provides excellent beam quality, high energy efficiency, and maintenance-free operation.

In this project, we demonstrated a novel solution to the original problem of efficient high-speed processing using fiber lasers. Unlike existing solutions, we split the laser beam within the laser itself into individual amplification channels. The main advantage of the multi-channel concept is that it eliminates the need to amplify laser pulses to high energies in a single channel, which is the main cause of increased system complexity and related issues (due to nonlinear effects). The energy of the generated pulses is thus directly adapted to the processing requirements, unlike high-energy output lasers, where the beam is split into multiple beams only at the output.

During the project, we researched and integrated innovative solutions into the concept, including an adaptable seed source for the multi-channel laser, passive gain control, fast modulation of laser pulses, and more.

The main advantages of the multi-channel fiber laser concept are:

1. A single unit is sufficient to directly generate multiple output beams required for multi-beam processing.
2. The multi-channel concept allows for relatively low laser pulse energy and average power per channel. As a result, fiber optic technology can be used, offering numerous advantages.
3. Controlling each channel individually (average power and pulses on demand) is more efficient at relatively low power levels (e.g., at the input of each power amplifier) – enabling the use of small-power, high-speed modulators.
4. The channels can be controlled independently, providing a high degree of flexibility.

WP1      Common laser channel – seed source

Research on the implementation of the primary and secondary excitation source and their amplification in the common branch of the laser.

Realization assessment: 100%

WP2      Research on compact and scalable fast pulse selection

Compact implementation of laser pulse sequence modulation in single-channel and multi-channel versions

Realization assessment: 100%

WP3      Power amplifier

Research into optimal amplification of ultrashort pulses and amplification stabilization

Realization assessment: 100%

WP4      Multi channel approach

Research and realization of the multi-channel laser concept

Realization assessment: 100%