Review of fabrication techniques for fused fiber components for fiber lasers

Abstract

Fused fiber components are the key building blocks that enable reliable and efficient operation of high power fiber lasers. In this paper, we review fabrication techniques for the manufacture of such devices, including mode-field adaptors, fiber tapers, fused couplers, and fused combiners. We present the basic equations governing both the optical performance and fabrication requirements for these devices, and demonstrate how these apply to some common fiber laser applications. We then describe and discuss component fabrication techniques and available hardware.