800∕1060 nm dual-wavelength pumped TDFA using single active pump source

Abstract

Novel 800/1060 nm dual-wavelength pumping sources for Tm 3+ -doped fibre amplifiers (TDFAs) are reported: a Nd 3+ -doped silica fibre laser or a Nd 3+ -doped microstructured silica fibre laser, both pumped near 800 nm and emitting near 1060 nm, providing the two required TDFA pump wavelengths. A new regime of pump power ratios is explored in which the 800 nm power is comparable to the 1060 nm power. Gain and noise figure are comparable with those obtained using individual pump modules at the two wavelengths.