Counter pumping a large mode area fiber laser

A system, comprising:

• a microlens or lenslet array;
• and
• a plurality of fiber support assemblies, wherein each fiber support assembly of the plurality of fiber support assemblies comprises:
• a first glass tube, wherein the first glass tube is attached to a respective microlens or lenslet of the microlens or lenslet array;
• a second glass tube at least partially disposed within the first glass tube;
• and
• a gain fiber disposed within the second glass tube, wherein the gain fiber has a first tapered end cap, and wherein the gain fiber with the first tapered end cap is aligned to the respective microlens or lenslet attached to the first glass tube.

A fiber support assembly, comprising:

• a first glass tube, wherein the first glass tube is attached to a microlens or lenslet of a microlens or lenslet array;
• a second glass tube at least partially disposed within the first glass tube;
• and
• a gain fiber disposed within the second glass tube, wherein the gain fiber has a first tapered end cap, and wherein the gain fiber with the first tapered end cap is aligned to the microlens or lenslet attached to the first glass tube;
• wherein the fiber support assembly further comprises:
• a pump fiber disposed within the second glass tube, wherein the pump fiber has a second tapered end cap;
• and
• a reflector configured to receive counter-pumping light from the pump fiber and direct the counter-pumping light to the first tapered end cap of the gain fiber.