Technology / Hardware
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Optical Slip Ring
The Optical Slip Ring (OSR) couples high power across a rotary joint, allowing for spool-deployment of the Fiber Optic Cable. Precision rotary design enable over 20 kW of laser energy to be coupled from a laser input to the rotating Fiber Optic Cable, with rotational speeds up to 5 rpm. Thermally compensated optics allow alignment at low power for operation over the full power range of the OSR.
Designed for field deployment, the Optical Slip Ring can sustain continuous temperatures as low as -40 F and as high as 180 F in all-weather conditions. The rugged casing is sealed against contamination for operation in unclean environments and up to 100% relative humidity. A locking mechanism on the alignment stage ensures maintained alignment during shock events.
Mounting plates facilitate connection to spool hubs for deployment of the High Power Transmission Cable. The Optical Slip ring can mount directly to a Coiled Tubing hub or may be deployed separately at any junction a rotational joint is necessary. The OSR can accept QBH, QD, LLK, or custom connector interfaces.
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Fiber Optic Cable
The Fiber Optic Cable bridges the gap from laser source to target, enabling remote deployment of laser processing components. Previously power-limiting nonlinear phenomena (Stimulated Brillouin Scattering and Stimulated Raman Scattering) have been overcome through system design while fiber construction has been optimized for transmission at telecom efficiencies. The Fiber Optic Cable can thus transmit over 20 kW of laser power over 6,500’.
Harsh-environment packaging has enabled high power transmission in field environments of 400 F and 250 g with pressures of up to 20 kpsi. Corrosion- and crush- resistant packaging provides necessary protection of the fiber optic in downhole and undersea applications. A vibration-isolating buffer ensures transmission functionality during intense shock and vibration loads.
The fiber optic can be drawn and cabled in > 20,000’ lengths for integration into downhole systems. The cable can be connectorized to the Downhole Connector via standard swage or flared fittings.
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Downhole Connector
The Downhole Connector provides rugged termination of the Fiber Optic Cable and micron-precision alignment to the work piece. Fluence and backreflection management components enable uncooled connector operation with over 20 kW of continuous wave laser power. The connector experiences a less than 1 degree F temperature rise per kW of laser power.
Thermal compensation of optical components provides harsh-environment performance of up to 250 g continuous vibration. Passive cooling eliminates the need for water lines in environments of up to 400 F. The Downhole Connector has been integrated into a BHA and deployed in a downhole environment for drilling operations.
A precision conical interface provides alignment to beam-shaping optics that is maintained during vibration and temperature variation. The connector interfaces with the Fiber Optic Cable via standard swage or flared connection.
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- Our Advances
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The capability and hardware to deliver high power lasers over long distances. Read More
- Hardware
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Fiber laser costs have dropped from over $1,000/W to less than $50/W in just 15 years. Read More
- Timeline
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The laser is 50 years old. While initially leveraged toward military applications such as targeting, the laser eventually found its way to a wide variety of civilian uses. Read More
- Our Advances
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Foro has demonstrated a previously unimaginable result: with modifications to the fiber optic, high-power laser energy can be transmitted with low transmission loss. Read More