From micron-size transistors to jumbo jets, all technological marvels have been simulated at some point in their development. And not only technology: Weather, stock markets and even the future of human society are predicted by computers — although the last, so far, is available only in Isaac Asimov’s novels. For that reason, we are not going to explain what a computer simulator is and how it helps to design more quickly, more accurately and less expensively. The purpose of this article is to present what makes an accurate and reliable fiber laser simulator and how to use it in product design, engineering and manufacturing. Including examples of real applications, this article unveils the dos and don’ts of simulating a fiber laser.

In 1996, we attended a workshop in Porto, Portugal, where the main subject was the future of fiber lasers. Many papers with optimistic or pessimistic views were put on the table. Although telecom was booming, the subject of fiber lasers was left in a shadow for a while. However, 10 years later, the fiber laser has become the most dynamic sector of the laser business, with an annual growth rate of more than 50 percent. And although most of the market belongs to only a few fiber laser manufacturers, the potential of the devices is far from exhausted...

Start a discussion on this article or any photonics topic in the Photonics.com Community Forum