Abstract
Based on recently published spectroscopic measurements of the relevant energy-transfer parameters, we performed a detailed analysis of the population mechanisms and the characteristics of the output from Er3+-singly-doped and Er3+, Pr3+-codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers operating at 3 μm, for various Er3+ concentrations and pump powers. Whereas both approaches resulted in similar laser performance at Er3+ concentrations <4 mol.% and pump powers <10 W absorbed, it is theoretically shown here that the Er3+-singly-doped system will be advantageous for higher Er3+ concentrations and pump powers. In this case, energy recycling by energy-transfer upconversion from the lower to the upper laser level can increase the slope efficiency to values greater than the Stokes efficiency, as is associated with a number of Er3+-doped crystal lasers. Output powers at 3 μm on the order of 10 W are predicted.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 162-169 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Aug 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Diode pumped lasers
- Infrared lasers
- Laser biomedical applications
- Optical fiber lasers
- Rare earth lasers