Power scaling method for 2-microm diode-cladding-pumped Tm(3+)-doped silica fiber lasers that uses Yb(3+) codoping

Unidirectional dual-wavelength pumping at 805 and 975 nm of a Tm(3+)-doped silica double-clad fiber laser that has been codoped with Yb(3+) is demonstrated. With equal 2-wt. % concentrations of the Tm(3+) and Yb(3+) 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 Yb(3+) --> Tm(3+) 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.