Metal-coated fiber sensor for laser radiation power measurements

Abstract. A technique for measurements of output power of fiber lasers using a metal-coated fiber sensor is proposed. Optical radiation transmitting through the core of a copper-coated silica fiber is partially scattered and, therefore, absorbed in the copper layer. The change of an electrical resistance of the metal coating induced by its heating is measured. This technique can be used for the real-time measurement of output radiation power of fiber laser sources. The measurement range of optical power can be controlled by changing the bend curve radius of the metal-coated fiber. Optical scattering coefficients of the metal-coated fiber core were determined using the proposed theoretical model of the fiber sensor heating.