title: Actively mode-locked Tm(3+)-doped silica fiber laser with wavelength-tunable, high average output power.
abstract: A diode-pumped, actively mode-locked high-power thulium (Tm3+)-doped double-clad silica fiber laser is demonstrated, providing an average output power in mode-locked (continuous wave) operation of 53 W (72 W) with a slope efficiency of 34% (38%). Mode-locking in the 6th-harmonic order was obtained by an acousto-optic modulator driven at 66 MHz without dispersion compensation. The shortest measured output pulse width was 200 ps. Owing to a diffraction grating as cavity end mirror, the central wavelength could be tuned from 1.95 to 2.13 μm. The measured beam quality in mode-locked and continuous wave operation has been close to the diffraction limit.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kneis
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Donelan
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berrou
authors.forename: Inka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manek-Hönninger
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Robin
authors.forename: Benoît
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cadier
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eichhorn
authors.forename: Christelle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kieleck
mesh_terms: D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D013932:Thulium
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D013932:Thulium