Title :
Analysis and optimization of Q-switched operation of a Tm3+-doped silica fiber laser operating at 2 μm
Author :
El-Sherif, Ashraf F. ; King, Terence A.
Author_Institution :
Laser Photonics Res. Group, Univ. of Manchester, UK
fDate :
6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Analysis and operation of a Q-switched Tm3+-doped silica fiber laser in the wavelength region of 2 μm is described when pumped with a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.319 μm. A large core of 17-μm diameter was used to increase the laser gain volume, allowing high pump-power absorption and an output of high pulse energy and peak power. An acoustooptic modulator was used as Q-switching element and operated at repetition rates up to 30 kHz. A maximum peak output power of greater than 4 kW and a pulse duration at full-width at half-maximum of 150 ns has been obtained. This is the first report of high peak-power operation of the thulium-doped silica fiber laser.
Keywords :
Q-switching; acousto-optical modulation; fibre lasers; laser transitions; optical pumping; thulium; 1.319 micron; 150 ns; 17 micron; 2 micron; 4 kW; Nd:YAG laser pump; Q-switched operation; SiO2:Tm3+; Tm3+-doped silica fiber laser; YAG:Nd; YAl5O12:Nd; high pulse energy; high pump-power absorption; large core; laser gain volume; optimization; peak power; repetition rates; Erbium-doped fiber lasers; Fiber lasers; Gas lasers; Laser excitation; Optical fiber devices; Optical fibers; Optical pulses; Power lasers; Pump lasers; Silicon compounds;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JQE.2003.811597
