High Power Fiber Amplifier (HPFA) Power Scaling

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on the development of High Power Fiber Amplifiers (HPFAs) capable of exceeding 10 kW output while maintaining high beam quality. The objective is to innovate and demonstrate concepts that allow for the scaling of individual HPFAs to power levels greater than 10 kW, with specific performance goals including a wavelength range of 0.8 to 2.2 µm and an electro-optical efficiency exceeding 35%. HPFAs have significant dual-use applications in both commercial sectors, such as advanced manufacturing processes, and defense capabilities, including remote sensing and directed energy weapons. The solicitation is currently in the pre-release phase, with proposals due by September 24, 2025, and further details can be found at the DARPA SBIR website.