In-fiber measurement of erbium-doped ZBLAN 4I13/2 state energy transfer parameter

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel in-fiber measurement of the energy transfer parameter in erbium-doped ZBLAN fibers, providing insights crucial for enhancing mid-infrared fiber laser performance.

Contribution

It introduces the first direct in-fiber measurement of the 4I13/2 + 4I13/2 to 4I15/2 + 4I9/2 energy transfer process in erbium-doped ZBLAN fibers, addressing previous measurement discrepancies.

Findings

First direct in-fiber measurement of energy transfer parameter.

Quantifies energy dynamics relevant for mid-infrared laser optimization.

Addresses discrepancy between bulk and fiber measurements.

Abstract

Erbium-doped ZBLAN is the most commonly used glass for mid-infrared fiber lasers. In this paper we quantify the energy dynamics of the erbium ions which is important for improving the performance of mid infrared fiber lasers. Previous studies have found a discrepancy between the strength of inter-ion energy transfer measured in bulk Er:ZBLAN and the strength required to explain current fiber laser performance. We have measured the energy transfer of the 4I13/2 + 4I13/2 -> 4I15/2 + 4I9/2 energy transfer process directly in a range of fibers for the first time.