The maximum output power of fiber lasers limited by the thermal degradation of double-clad fiber coatings is theoretically simulated.We investigated the thermal effects on high-power continuous wave (CW) fiber lasers with a focus on heating at the splice joints as well as on the doped fiber caused by quantum defects.Whether thermal interface materials are used or not,the thermal contact resistances between the fiber and its heat sink are measured separately while using different cooling equipments.Though the thermal management of splices is more difficult than that of active fibers,a temperature increase of 0.019 K/W is obtained for a splice joint into which the pump light launches.The splice joint sustains 3 kW of total passing power.
