Thermal damage is one of the most common issues in high-power fiber laser systems. As power levels rise, small heat problems can grow into real failures. Many teams see this during long operation, fast load changes, or tight packaging. The good news is that you can control much of this with the right tools. One tool that plays a key role is the Cladding Power Stripper, often called CPS.

Let’s look at what causes thermal damage and how CPS helps you prevent it.

Why Thermal Damage Happens in Fiber Laser Systems

Thermal damage starts when unwanted light absorbs inside the fiber or components. This happens when pump light leaks into the cladding. It also happens when reflections, bends, or stress cause light to move into places where it should not go.

As this stray light absorbs, it turns into heat. The heat builds slowly. If the structure cannot remove the heat fast enough, the temperature rises. Over time, you may see fiber darkening, coating damage, or full device failure.

High-power systems face this risk more than low-power systems because each watt creates more heat.

How Stray Light Increases Heat in Optical Components

Stray light can come from imperfect splices, micro-bends, or alignment shifts. Even small changes can send part of the light into the cladding. When this light hits the coating, it warms the surface.

Heat spreads into nearby parts. This can shift the refractive index. It can also cause new reflections or mode changes. Each shift creates more stray light. This loop can grow until the system shows signs of overheating.

You can stop this early by removing the stray light before it builds up.

Role of a Cladding Power Stripper in Thermal Protection

A Cladding Power Stripper removes unwanted pump light from the cladding. It absorbs this stray light in a controlled way. It also spreads the heat across a safe area so the fiber stays cool.

When you use a CPS, the light that would have caused damage leaves the system safely. This protects the coating and core. It keeps the fiber stable during high power operation. It also helps prevent slow thermal drift that affects output performance.

OEMs rely on CPS because it supports long-term reliability. Network designers use it to keep power levels high without risking failure.

How CPS Supports High-Power Fiber Laser Stability

A CPS keeps the fiber from reaching unsafe temperatures. It also reduces local hot spots that often show up near splices or tight bends. When the cladding stays cool, your system stays stable.

Clean thermal control also helps pump diodes run better. They see fewer reflections and less back-propagating light. This leads to smoother output and longer diode life.

With a CPS in place, your laser delivers power more evenly. You also spend less time managing heat-related issues.

Why Proper Heat Management Matters for System Life

Heat slowly changes materials at the microscopic level. It weakens coatings. It shifts alignment. It can even create tiny cracks. These effects show up as performance drift or sudden failure.

Good thermal management increases system life. You see fewer service calls and a more predictable output. A CPS is one of the simplest ways to support this. It helps remove the stray energy before it becomes a problem.

 

When You Should Use a Cladding Power Stripper in Your Build

You should add a CPS when your system runs at high power. It also helps when your design includes long pump paths or complex splicing. Any setup that may send pump light into the cladding can benefit from a CPS.

Many teams place the CPS near the pump input. Others place it near known stress points. Both methods work well. The goal is to remove stray light early so the fiber stays safe.

FAQs

Why does stray light cause thermal damage?
It absorbs into the coating and turns into heat, which raises the fiber temperature.

How does a Cladding Power Stripper protect the system?
It removes unwanted pump light from the cladding and spreads the heat safely.

Do high-power systems need CPS more than low-power systems?
Yes. Higher power creates more heat, so the risk of thermal damage increases.

Can CPS improve long-term system life?
Yes. Better heat control reduces drift, stress, and premature failure.