Abstract

The chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) operates at a wavelength of 1.3 μm, which falls in the minimum loss range of power transmission characteristics of silica. Among currently available lasers it is the only laser that has multikilowatt cw output in that wavelength region. It is thus a fascinating candidate for industrial lasers that have the capability to deliver high cw power through silica fibers. However, the current technology of this laser is too immature to be applied industrially. Major issues to be considered include the efficiency, running cost, and continuous operation duration.

© 1988 Optical Society of America