Novel fiber-MOPA-based high power blue laser

5W peak power at 911 nm is demonstrated with a pulsed Neodymium (Nd) doped fiber master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA). This result is the first reported high gain (16dB) fiber amplifier operation at 911nm. Pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and duty-cycle dependence of the all fiber system is characterized. Negligible performance degreadation is observed down to 1% duty cycle and 10 kHz PRF, where 2.5μJ of pulse energy is achieved. Continuous wave (CW) MOPA experiments achieved 55mW average power and 9dB gain with 15% optical to optical (o-o) efficiency. Excellent agreement is established between dynammic fiber MOPA simulation tool and experimental results in predicting output amplified spontaneous emission (ase) and signal pulse shapes. Using the simulation tool robust Stimulated Brillion Scattering (SBS) free operation is predicted out of a two stage all fiber system that generates over 10W's of peak power with 500 MHz line-width. An all fiber 911 nm pulsed laser source with >10W of peak power is expected to increase reliability and reduce complexity of high energy 455 nm laser system based on optical parametric amplification for udnerwater applications. The views expressed are thos of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.