Power scaling method for 2-μm diode-cladding-pumped TM3+-doped silica fiber lasers that uses Yb3+ codoping

Unidirectional dual-wavelength pumping at 805 and 975 nm of a Tm3+-doped silica double-clad fiber laser that has been codoped with Yb3+ is demonstrated. With equal 2-wt. % concentrations of the Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions, slope efficiencies of 49% (57%) and 35% (40%) with respect to the launched (absorbed) pump power of the 805- and 975-nm pump wavelengths, respectively, were obtained. Efficient Yb3+ --> Tm3+ energy transfer and efficient cross relaxation combined with minimal upconversion losses were thus operating. At the maximum output power of 18 W, the fiber laser operated at a center wavelength of 2050 nm. (C) 2003 Optical Society of America.