3D printing gives laser waveguides a ceramic upgrade for higher power

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have 3D-printed laser waveguides from ceramic material, potentially enabling far more powerful lasers than today's glass fibers allow. Using a technique called direct ink writing, they built ceramic channels that guide laser light with less heat buildup and interference. Current devices produce hundreds of milliwatts, but the team aims for kilowatt-level output, which could benefit laser machining and missile-defense systems.