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Single-mode and high power waveguide lasers fabricated by ion-exchange
G Della Valle1, A Festa, G Sorbello
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy. giuseppe.dellavalle@polimi.it
Optics Express
|August 6, 2008
Summary
This study demonstrates a compact, diode-pumped waveguide laser achieving over 20 mW output power in single mode operation. The research highlights the potential of ion-exchange technology for developing high-performance, miniaturized fiber lasers.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Laser Technology
- Materials Science
- Integrated Optics
Background:
- Waveguide lasers offer miniaturization and robustness for photonic applications.
- Erbium (Er) and Ytterbium (Yb) co-doped materials are effective gain media for 1533.5 nm emission.
- Ag-Na ion-exchange is a viable technique for fabricating optical waveguides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a single-end diode-pumped waveguide laser.
- To investigate high-power operation and single-mode capabilities.
- To explore the feasibility of ion-exchange technology for advanced waveguide lasers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 9-mm long Er:Yb-doped phosphate glass waveguide using Ag-Na ion-exchange.
- Construction of a compact laser cavity (<60 mm) with fiber-Bragg-grating mirrors.
- Single-end diode pumping at 1533.5 nm.
Main Results:
- Achieved >20 mW output power with 17% slope efficiency in single longitudinal and transverse mode operation.
- Demonstrated multimode operation yielding >160 mW output power and 46% slope efficiency.
- Investigated feasibility of high-power single-mode operation using a 50-mm waveguide.
Conclusions:
- The developed waveguide laser is robust and operates efficiently in single mode.
- Ag-Na ion-exchange in phosphate glass is suitable for fabricating high-performance waveguide lasers.
- The technology shows promise for miniaturized, high-power laser sources.
