Photonics Research · 2013 · 163 citations · 31 references
Optical MaterialsEngineeringLaser ApplicationsKey FactorsSuper-intense LasersFiber OpticsFiber LasersHigh-power LasersFiber-optic CommunicationOptical AmplifierOptical AmplificationOptical PropertiesLaser AmplifiersFiber LaserPhotonicsGain-switched Fiber LasersWavelength ConversionFiber OpticActive FibersOptoelectronicsLasersFibre Amplifier
Gain‑switched fiber lasers naturally benefit the 2‑µm region and in‑band‑pumped two‑level laser systems. The authors review the development of gain‑switched rare‑earth‑doped fiber lasers, compare them to Q‑switching, and propose key factors guiding future design. The study examines design and optimization of gain‑switched fiber lasers, using a simple numerical simulation of Tm‑doped fiber lasers to analyze advantages of in‑band‑pumped 2‑µm systems. The analysis demonstrates advantages of in‑band‑pumped 2‑µm lasers and predicts future trends in gain‑switched fiber laser development.
We briefly review the development of gain-switched rare-earth-doped fiber lasers and their applications in wavelength conversion to mid-IR, supercontinuum generation, and medicine in recent years. We illustrate the similarities between gain-switching and Q-switching techniques that will provide tools for the design and optimization of the gain-switched fiber lasers. From the nature of the gain-switched fiber lasers, benefits of this kind of lasers to 2-μm region and in-band-pumped (two-level system) laser systems are obvious. Advantages of in-band-pumped 2-μm lasers are discussed and analyzed with a simple numerical simulation in terms of Tm-doped fiber lasers. We also propose the key factors in the development of the gain-switched fiber lasers and predict the future tendency.
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Towards high-power mid-infrared emission from a fibre laser
Stuart D. Jackson · Nature Photonics · 2012 · 1.2K citations