Gain-switching of a fiber laser: experiment and a simple theoretical model

R. Petkovšek; V. Agrež; F. Bammer

doi:10.1117/12.854679

19 May 2010 Gain-switching of a fiber laser: experiment and a simple theoretical model

R. Petkovšek, V. Agrež, F. Bammer

Proceedings Volume 7721, Solid State Lasers and Amplifiers IV, and High-Power Lasers; 77210L (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854679
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2010, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

We present a study of a gain-switched end-pumped Yb-doped-fiber laser. The test laser that was mainly used in order to verify the theoretical model consist of an 8.7 m long double clad active fiber with core and inner cladding diameter of 8 μm and 130 μm respectively, and absorption of 1.5 dB/m. An important part of the system is a control unit that switches on the pumping diodes at a desired repetition rate and switches off at the moment when the first spike of the transitional effect appears in order to suppress additional oscillations. A simple rate equation model accurately predicts the main pulse parameters. It describes the population dynamics of the photons and the laser levels, including the occupation by thermal effects. Further numerical simulations show that with adequate active fiber geometry, active ion doping and sufficient pumping power, much shorter pulses in range of 50 ns and peak power of several 100W can be achieved. Such a simple system with the potential addition of a one stage active fiber amplifier can be interesting for some applications in micro-processing like scribing of solar cells, micro processing, and thin film removal.

Citation Download Citation

R. Petkovšek, V. Agrež, and F. Bammer "Gain-switching of a fiber laser: experiment and a simple theoretical model", Proc. SPIE 7721, Solid State Lasers and Amplifiers IV, and High-Power Lasers, 77210L (19 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854679

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available