Toward a laser-based power delivery for space applications: preliminary qualification of radiation sensitivity

Establishing permanent bases on the Moon will require to develop wireless power transmission systems using high-power fiber lasers to support lunar missions where solar or nuclear energy is insufficient. Key challenges include minimizing weight, managing extreme temperatures, and mitigating ionizing radiation’s effects. This study investigates the sensitivity to X-rays of commercial rare-earth doped optical fibers for high-power lasers in accelerated tests. Different approaches are considered and compared, such as monitoring power degradation and fiber temperature changes, variation of the Rayleigh scattering signatures, and modifications of the spectral response of a fiber Bragg grating inscribed in a small section of the active fiber.