title: Efficient neodymium-doped glass-ceramic fiber laser and amplifier.
abstract: We report an efficient glass-ceramic fiber laser and show that its slope efficiency (~30%) is not compromised by the presence of Nd-doped fluoride crystals embedded within the core of the single-mode optical fiber. In contrast, the spectroscopy (fluorescence and gain spectrum) of the Nd(3+) ions is dramatically changed by the ceramming process, an indication of strong partitioning of the rare-earth ions into the CdF(2):PbF(2):YF(3) crystal environment. The enormous potential for a new range of optical devices based on transparent glass-ceramic materials is highlighted.
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Samson
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Tick
authors.forename: N F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Borrelli