Efficient intracavity frequency doubling of an Yb-doped fiber laser using an internal resonant enhancement cavity

We describe a simple approach for efficient generation of visible light in high-power continuous-wave fiber lasers via second harmonic generation in an internal resonant cavity. Preliminary results for a cladding-pumped Yb fiber laser are presented

Impact of energy-transfer-upconversion on the performance of hybrid Er:YAG lasers

Using a hybrid fiber-bulk laser scheme based on Er:YAG, we have achieved ~60 W and ~30 W of continuous-wave output at 1645nm and 1617nm respectively, and Q-switched pulse energies up to ~30 mJ (limited by coating damage). Investigation of various factors influencing laser performance has revealed that energy-transfer-upconversion can have a very detrimental impact on efficiency, even in continuous-wave mode of operation. In this paper we report on the results of this study, discuss various measures for reducing energy-transfer-upconversion and its effect on laser performance, and consider the prospects for further increase in output power and pulse energy

Pump power reduction by photodarkening in Yb-doped fibres

The influence of the photodarkening at a pump wavelength to envisage the direct impact of the photodarkening in the YDF based devices is reported. Results suggest that the photodarkening does not only induce excess background loss as commonly interpreted, but also influences pump efficiency

First demonstration of single trench fiber for delocalization of higher order modes

We demonstrate an ytterbium-doped single-trench fiber ensuring a high losses ratio (~1000) and low power fraction (~0.7) between the higher-order-modes and fundamental-mode with excellent bend robustness and 85% laser efficiency at a wavelength of 1040nm

Efficient low-threshold lasers based on an erbium-doped holey fiber

We report experimental results on the continuous-wave lasers based on a small core erbium-doped holey fiber. In a simple Fabry-Perot-type cavity with high output coupling, we demonstrate low-threshold (0.55 mW) high slope-efficiency (57.3%) operation confirming both the quality and exceptionally high gain efficiency of the fiber. In an all-fiber ring cavity where the cavity loss is reduced, we show that it is possible to achieve a low-threshold laser with extremely wide tunability (>100 nm around 1550 nm). Our results illustrate some of the unique opportunities provided by active small core holey fibers

Multi-element fiber technology for space-division multiplexing applications

A novel technological approach to space division multiplexing (SDM) based on the use of multiple individual fibers embedded in a common polymer coating material is presented, which is referred to as Multi-Element Fiber (MEF). The approach ensures ultralow crosstalk between spatial channels and allows for cost-effective ways of realizing multi-spatial channel amplification and signal multiplexing/demultiplexing. Both the fabrication and characterization of a passive 3-element MEF for data transmission, and an active 5-element erbium/ytterbium doped MEF for cladding-pumped optical amplification that uses one of the elements as an integrated pump delivery fiber is reported. Finally, both components were combined to emulate an optical fiber network comprising SDM transmission lines and amplifiers, and illustrate the compatibility of the approach with existing installed single-mode WDM fiber systems

Raman amplification and pulsed lasing in cladding-pumped germanosilicate fiber

We report for the first time Raman amplification in a cladding-pumped fiber. The double-clad germanosilicate fiber was pumped by a Q-switched Er-Yb co-doped fiber laser at 1570 nm. The power conversion efficiency was up to 36%, with a slope of 64%

Wavelength-tunable internally-frequency-doubled Yb-doped fiber laser

High power continuous-wave (cw) laser sources emitting in the visible spectral region have a diverse range of applications in areas such as laser processing of materials, projection displays, medicine and sensing. Fiber lasers using cladding-pumped architectures can yield very high power in the near-infrared wavelength regime [1], and hence offer the prospect of high power levels in the visible regime via nonlinear frequency conversion. High conversion efficiencies can be achieved using the technique of external resonant cavity second harmonic generation, but this approach is complicated by the need for a single frequency fiber source and by the need for active cavity length stabilisation [2]. In this paper we present a wavelength-tunable visible source based on a cladding-pumped fiber laser with a simple internal resonant enhancement cavity for efficient frequency doubling. The laser yields cw output at power levels >1 W in the wavelength range from 539 nm to 558 nm

A Unification of Models of Tethered Satellites

In this paper, different conservative models of tethered satellites are related mathematically, and it is established in what limit they may provide useful insight into the underlying dynamics. An infinite dimensional model is linked to a finite dimensional model, the slack-spring model, through a conjecture on the singular perturbation of tether thickness. The slack-spring model is then naturally related to a billiard model in the limit of an inextensible spring. Next, the motion of a dumbbell model, which is lowest in the hierarchy of models, is identified within the motion of the billiard model through a theorem on the existence of invariant curves by exploiting Moser's twist map theorem. Finally, numerical computations provide insight into the dynamics of the billiard model

Optical fiber fabrication using novel gas-phase deposition technique

We report a highly versatile chemical-in-crucible preform fabrication technique suitable for gas-phase deposition of doped optical fibers. Aluminosilicate and ytterbium-doped phosphosilicate fibers are presented demonstrating the technique and its potential for realizing complex fiber designs that are suitable for the next generation of high-power fiber devices. The results show aluminum-doped fiber with numerical aperture of 0.28 and ytterbium-doped fiber with a measured slope efficiency of 84% with respect to pump launch power