IEEE Photonics Journal (Jan 2023)

Amplification of GaSb-Based Diode Lasers in an Erbium-Doped Fluoride Fibre Amplifier

  • Nikolai B. Chichkov,
  • Amit Yadav,
  • Franck Joulain,
  • Solenn Cozic,
  • Semyon V. Smirnov,
  • Leon Shterengas,
  • Julian Scheuermann,
  • Robert Weih,
  • Johannes Koeth,
  • Sven Hofling,
  • Ulf Hinze,
  • Samuel Poulain,
  • Edik U. Rafailov

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOT.2023.3238078
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Building upon recent advances in GaSb-based diode lasers and Er-doped fluoride fibre technologies, this article demonstrates for the first time the fibre-based amplification of mid-infrared diode lasers in the wavelength range around 2.78 $\mu$m. The laser setup consists of a GaSb-based diode laser and a single-stage Er-doped fibre amplifier. Amplification is investigated for continuous wave (CW) and ns-pulsed input signals, generated by gain-modulation of the GaSb-based seed lasers. The experimental results include the demonstration of output powers up to 0.9 W, pulse durations as short as 20 ns, and pulse repetition rates up to 1 MHz. Additionally, the amplification of commercial and custom-made GaSb-based seed lasers is compared and the impact of different fibre end-cap materials on laser performance is analysed.

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