I think you are confusing the mode of the laser with the mode of the = fibre=20 Laser mode is to do with the number of optically resonant paths in the = lasing cavity. High power lasers are sometimes configured multimode to get more power at the = expense of beam quality.=20 On Tue, 4 Feb 2003 19:19:33 -0500, you wrote: >KreAture, > > In the article cited, look under Program Plans, 3rd bullet down:= It >refers to 10 single mode lasers with a total power out of 1 KW. From >this, I assumed that each fiber had 100 watts in it. In my experience, a >single mode fiber uses a core of 8-9 um. What is your understanding of >the comment in the article below? > >http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/hpfl.html > >Larry > > >Kyrre Aalerud wrote: >> >> They don't use that thin cable for such applications, but the point is= that >> as long as there is little loss, power density doesn't matter. >> >> KreAture >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Larry Reynolds" >> To: >> Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 10:07 PM >> Subject: Re: [ot]: laser question >> >> > Consider the optical power densities within a single mode fiber (~8 = um) >> > driven with 100 watts of optical power: >> > >> > Pd =3D 100/(PI*(8e-6)^2) or 497.4 trillion watts/m^2 >> > >> > egads!!!!!!!!!!!! >> > >> > Larry >> > >> > >> > Mark Perri wrote: >> > > >> > > From this blurb, it looks like DARPA is trying to make a >100W = fiber >> and >> > > eventually 100kW for "speed of light engagement." >> > > >> > > http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/hpfl.html -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body