Recent Progress on High-Power 2 μm Fiber Lasers: A Comprehensive Study of Advancements, Applications, and Future Perspectives

High-power lasers operating at the 2 μm wavelength domain have gained considerable interest in recent times owing to their distinct characteristics and versatile applications in the field of medical and industrial precision processing. This article presents a comprehensive review of high-power lasers, beginning with an overview of rare-earth silica fiber as a critical component for high-power lasers performing at 2 μm. Subsequently, the research progress of three essential high-power laser technologies – continuous-wave (CW), pulsed, and single-frequency (SF) lasers – is thoroughly analyzed, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Moreover, the potential of combining silica fibers with Raman technology for effective wavelength extension in 2 μm lasers is explored. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the current challenges associated with the progression of high-power fiber lasers and outlines potential avenues for future advancements.