In addition to detection and range finding, fiber lasers in the infrared spectral range, especially those of around 2 μm, are also central to the active protection of objects, planes or vehicles against heat-seeking devices (especially rockets). Fiber lasers based on thulium or holmium fibers can generate high laser power and energy in a compact, reliable and passively cooled unit that can be further shifted to the mid-IR operation range of thermal sensors by optical parametric oscillators (OPO). These lasers are primarily used in directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems that are mounted on the ground, moving platforms or aircrafts/helicopters to counteract heat-seeking sensors. By flooding the missile’s guiding system with targeted mid-IR laser power, the system successfully jams, making the target system ineffective. Fiber lasers are an ideal resource for these kinds of applications due to their robustness and compact and rugged design, making them operational under a wide range of environmental conditions – essential for defense applications and platforms. Furthermore, the excellent beam quality and scalability provided by 2 μm fiber lasers allows operation ranges up to large distances.

Key technologies in any DIRCM system are fiber components and fiber laser modules that can be operated even in the harsh environments of airborne and moving platforms. FiberBridge Photonics is a European provider of these essential components and systems and offers a comprehensive range of high-power fiber components and complete thulium fiber-based laser systems having excellent SWaP. Specializing in robust systems that are operational in harsh environments, we are committed to providing our customers with outstanding quality products and dedicated support.