Large core Yb-doped optical fiber through vapor phase doping technique

Abstract

Rare earth (RE) doped optical fibers have shown tremendous progress for producing high power fiber lasers for industrial, medical and strategic applications. However, fabrication of large core, high Yb-doped fiber is still a challenge through conventional process due to poor repeatability and limitation regarding core size. This paper presents successful fabrication of Yb-doped fibers through vapor phase doping technique. Preform fabrication was carried out using a specially constructed MCVD system containing High Temperature Vapor Delivery Unit with sublimators for Al and Yb precursors. The novelty of the present work lies in deposition of Al2O3 and Yb2O3 in vapor phase simultaneously with silica during formation of sintered core layer which result in uniform dopants distribution in the preform. The fibers exhibited lasing efficiency of 76% with low ‘photodarkening effect’.