Fiber transmission of high-power laser pulses for laser shock processing

Summary form only given. Laser shock processing (LSP) is an interesting tool for the improvement of mechanical properties of metallic surfaces. It introduces a field of compressive residual stress near the surface which leads to a local increase in hardness and wear resistance and can therefore enhance the fatigue strength of metallic components. For many applications of LSP it would be desirable to deliver the necessary laser pulses by optical fibers. Due to the high intensities involved this has not yet been accomplished. We report on the transmission of 20 MW laser pulses through an optical fiber and their use for LSP.