Diode-pumped, ion-exchanged Er/Yb waveguide laser at 1.5µm in phosphorus-free silicate glass

Abstract

We demonstrate the first diode-pumped, planar ErNb waveguide laser. The device was fabricated by thallium-exchange in a phosphorus-free silicate glass. Lasing was achieved with a low threshold of 15 mW, indicating the absence of the severe backtransfer effects previously reported in Er/Yb bulk laser silicate glasses