Optimized design of high power mid-infrared Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber laser

Based on the rate equations describing the operation of the Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers with different pump configurations, theoretical calculations that relate to the population characteristics and optimization of CW operation of high power Er3+, Pr3+ :ZBLAN double-clad fiber lasers are presented. Using the measured ET (energy-transfer), ETU (energy-transfer-upconversion) and CR (cross-relaxation) parameters relevant to Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN, a good agreement between the theoretical results from the model and recently reported experimental measurements is obtained. The effects on the slope efficiency of a number of laser parameters including fiber length, reflectance of the output mirror and pumping configuration are quantitatively analyzed and used for the design and optimization of high power Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers.

Optimized design of high power mid-infrared Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber laser

Based on the rate equations describing the operation of the Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers with different pump configurations, theoretical calculations that relate to the population characteristics and optimization of CW operation of high power Er3+, Pr3+ :ZBLAN double-clad fiber lasers are presented. Using the measured ET (energy-transfer), ETU (energy-transfer-upconversion) and CR (cross-relaxation) parameters relevant to Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN, a good agreement between the theoretical results from the model and recently reported experimental measurements is obtained. The effects on the slope efficiency of a number of laser parameters including fiber length, reflectance of the output mirror and pumping configuration are quantitatively analyzed and used for the design and optimization of high power Er3+, Pr3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers.

Efficient 2.87 μm fiber laser passively switched using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror

A passively switched Ho3+, Pr3+ codoped fluoride fiber laser using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is demonstrated. Q-switching and partial mode-locking were observed with the output power produced at a slope efficiency of 24% with respect to the absorbed pump power. The partially mode-locked 2.87 µm pulses operated at a repetition rate of 27.1 MHz with an average power of 132 mW, pulse energy of 4.9 nJ, and pulse width of 24 ps.