Abstract
A nanoparticle (NP) doping technique was developed for fabricating erbium (Er)- and holmium (Ho)-doped silica-based optical fibers for high energy lasers. Slope efficiencies in excess of 74% were realized for Er NP doping in a single mode fiber based master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) and 53% with multi-Watt-level output in a resonantly cladding-pumped power oscillator laser configuration based on a double-clad fiber. Cores comprising Ho doped LaF3 and Lu2O3 nanoparticles exhibited slope efficiencies as high as 85% at 2.09 µm in a laser configuration. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a holmium nanoparticle doped fiber laser as well as the highest efficiency and power output reported from an erbium nanoparticle doped fiber laser.
Highlights
Highlighted in this work are recent accomplishments in nanoparticle doping of high power fiber lasers operating at “eye-safer” wavelengths
Both erbium and holmium doped fiber lasers are attractive candidates for high energy lasers (HELs) used in directed energy applications because they operate at wavelengths that are both safer to the eye and in a high atmospheric transmission window
We have shown that nanoparticle doping is an effective method for reducing excited state energy transfer processes, as well imparting unique materials properties
Summary
Highlighted in this work are recent accomplishments in nanoparticle doping of high power fiber lasers operating at “eye-safer” wavelengths. Both erbium and holmium doped fiber lasers are attractive candidates for high energy lasers (HELs) used in directed energy applications because they operate at wavelengths that are both safer to the eye and in a high atmospheric transmission window. Though technically not eye-safe due to the high powers employed, some degree of laser safety can be gained by operation at wavelengths >1.4 μm since the cornea, lens, vitreous- and aqueous-humor absorb the light and reduce the potential chance of retinal damage. In nanoparticle doping of silica fibers, the rare earth ions are encapsulated within the nanoparticle host. In order to understand why this is needed, a brief review of the process and issues associated with conventional solution doping of silica with erbium and holmium is provided
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