Beyond 3 μm Dy3+/Er3+ co-doped ZBLAN fiber lasers pumped by 976nm laser diode

Dysprosium-erbium (Dy3+/Er3+) co-doped ZBLAN (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF) fiber lasers operating at 3.2-3.35 mu m were demonstrated by pumping at the 980nm Er3+ absorption band. A maximum output power of 260 mW at 3.27 mu m with a slope efficiency of 5.73% was achieved with 3.6 m 0.25mol. % Dy3+/4mol. % Er3+ co-doped ZBLAN fiber. Lasers operating at 3.23 mu m and 3.35 mu m were also demonstrated with 2 m and 9 m gain fibers, respectively, but with lower slope efficiencies. Our experiments confirm the possibility of pumping the Dy3+/Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with a low-cost high efficiency diode laser at 976nm.

Automated summary

Dysprosium-erbium co-doped ZBLAN fiber lasers operating at 3.2-3.35 mu m by pumping at the 980nm Er3+ absorption band were demonstrated, achieving different output powers and efficiencies at different wavelengths. The experiments confirmed the feasibility of pumping the Dy3+/Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with a low-cost high efficiency diode laser at 976nm.