Fiber amplifiers are particularly well-suited for space applications. They are compact, robust, and insensitive to vibrations since the beam path runs within the fiber and requires virtually no moving parts. Additionally, they deliver high beam quality with comparatively low power consumption and integrate well into aerospace systems. 

Establishing European supply chains 

For fiber amplifiers to operate reliably in space for years, their components must withstand both the stresses of transport to space and the conditions in the space environment. Repair or replacement is not possible. Furthermore, the components must be capable of delivering laser powers exceeding 100 watts – a requirement for which few European suppliers are currently available. In the project “High-Performance Fiber Components for Laser Applications in Space", LZH is advancing fiber-optic components. The scientists work on optimizing production processes for fiber components. For example, they analyze which fibers, adhesives and housing materials are suitable for use in space.  

Components for extreme conditions 

The components to be developed in the project undergo extensive testing: they must withstand temperatures far above and below 0° C, temperature cycling, vacuum, mechanical vibrations, shock loads, and gamma radiation. Typical storage conditions are also simulated at LZH. From these analyses, the scientists can identify weaknesses that will be addressed in a second manufacturing round. 

Applications beyond communication 

The project results are intended to pave the way for technology transfer to industry. The overarching goal is to make corresponding fiber components available on an industrial scale in Europe in the future and reduce strategic dependencies. In the medium term, additional application areas for high-power lasers in space are emerging. These include laser-based manufacturing techniques such as welding and Additive Manufacturing performed directly in orbit. Furthermore, the components involved can be deployed in optical quantum technologies, such as tap-proof quantum key distribution (QKD). 

The subprojexct "Development and optimization of fiber-optic components for use in the environmental conditions of space" "High-Performance Fiber Components for Laser Applications in Space" project is funded by Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen – NBank within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund.