Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

CO2 laser processing

Construction and connection technology for and with optical glass fibers

 

Low-loss signal transmission with high bandwidth via glass fibers is one of the major drivers of innovation in today’s information and communication society. If higher laser performances up to the kW range are to be transmitted by glass fibers, conventional assembly and joining technologies can oftentimes be used only to a very limited extent. The application of an appropriate CO2 laser as a contamination-free energy source for precise and flexible glass fiber processing is the ideal condition for a variety of innovative glass processes.

Your Partner for glass fiber processes

 

For more than a decade, we have been developing processes for treating single and multiple glass fibers using specific CO2 lasers as a heat or energy source. Part of this know-how is used in OEM assemblies or complete production devices with CE according to customer requirements. The stability and reproducibility of our processes are an important condition for our project partners. At Fraunhofer IOF, we have specialists for the development of devices from the fields of optical design, mechanical design and FEM analysis at our disposal. We also use diamond-turned mirror optics with gold coating for beam shaping, developed and manufactured in-house, in our devices and equipment for our CO2 laser processes.

 

Our key services and competences

Currently available CO2 laser-based processes for glass fibers

  • Separation of fibers with special laser beam shaping
  • Tapering of fibers to, among other things, adapt different cross-sections
  • Ablation and polishing for processing semi-finished glass products, including preforms
  • Decoating and cleaning to remove protective fiber layers and clean fiber end faces
  • Splicing of fibers with the same or different cross-sections
  • Collapsing of photonic crystal fibers (PCF) and capillarieses
  • Shaping of fiber end faces, e.g., for beam shaping
  • Laser deposition to create additional properties on glass fibers, e.g., removal of cladding modes
  • Surface modification to change the surface properties (reflectivity, transmission)

Successful welding test of a ø 400 μm fibre on a 1 mm x 1 mm x 10 mm quartz glass pin in a fibre welding device developed at Fraunhofer IOF.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Successful welding test of a ø 400 μm fibre on a 1 mm x 1 mm x 10 mm quartz glass pin in a fibre welding device developed at Fraunhofer IOF.

Surface modification and laser deposition

Surface modification, e.g. by ablation or deposition with CO2 lasers to create defined properties on surfaces and substrates made of quartz glass (reflectivity, transmission).

Customised device development

Development and construction of production devices for CO2 laser-based processes with CE certification.

Technological advice

We advise you on the processing of quartz/silica glass with the CO2 laser in research and development.

 

Construction and connection technologies for glass fiber applications

Near-any laser performances in material processing, sensing, medicine, aerospace, quantum technology

 

Examples:

  • Development of monolithic fiber collimators for different performance ranges
  • Development of mode field adapters for single and multi-core fibers
  • Development of specific, fused fiber bundles (fiber combiners)
  • Technologies for the removal of cladding modes (mode strippers)
Development and production of ultra-stable CO<sub>2</sub> laser-spliced fibre collimator assemblies.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Development and production of ultra-stable CO2 laser-spliced fibre collimator assemblies.
CO<sub>2</sub> laser-based decoating and cutting of optical fibres.
© Fraunhofer IOF
CO2 laser-based decoating and cutting of optical fibres.
Fibre coupler for low and high power applications.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Fibre coupler for low and high power applications.
 

Your benefits of working with us

 

Starting with technological consulting, we also offer the development of special individual processes as well as complete solutions in the form of certified device development according to specification from a single source.

The wide range of characterization options enable a comprehensive analysis of sub-processes or even complex tasks in the field of glass fiber processing with the CO2 laser. Short distances to the specialists from the Fiber Laser and Fiber Technology departments support and/or expand the expertise.

Technical equipment

The institute has various devices and equipment developed in-house for specific glass fiber processing at its disposal.

For subsequent characterization, there are a variety of measurement options, such as optical microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, and measurements for stress birefringence.

Many other devices and measurement options are available across all departments.

Taper process of a glass fibre
© Fraunhofer IOF
Taper process of a glass fibre

Our research strength

Research reports

The research strength of our experts is reflected, among other things, in the contributions to the Fraunhofer IOF Annual Report. Every year, selected research results from the previous year are published in this report (archive of annual reports) Here you can find the articles on developments relating to CO2 laser processing from previous years:

  • »CO2 laser-based decoating and cleaving technology for optical glass fibers« (Annual report 2020, page 86-88)
  • »Development of a device for gravitational wave research.«
    (Annual report 2022, page 36-37)
CO<sub>2</sub> laser splicing - contamination-free and versatile joining with high reproducibility for the production of high-performance fibre laser components.
© Fraunhofer IOF
CO2 laser splicing - contamination-free and versatile joining with high reproducibility for the production of high-performance fibre laser components.

Do you have questions about our services?  

In a personal meeting, we will advise you on our (individual) range of services and our core competencies. Please contact us. 

Obtain consultation

Are you interested in a cooperation? Contact us!

We develop special and visionary solutions - tailored to the needs and wishes of our customers. Let us talk about your idea(s).

 

Find solution

You would like to work with us?
Then apply with us!

We are always looking for creative minds and committed people who want to develop innovative solutions with light together with us. Visit our job portal or send us a speculative application:

Become part of the team

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