Search

Single-mode Er–Yb fibers with the core based on a phosphorosilicate glass matrix (up to 6.5 mol.% P2O5) highly doped with fluorine (up to 0.9 wt.%) were fabricated using an all-gas-phase modified chemical vapor deposition method. The core numerical aperture was in the range of 0.07–0.08 relative to the pure silica, which allowed us to increase the single-mode core diameter up to 20 μm. The slope efficiency in lasers based on the fabricated fibers reached 34% relative to the launched pump power.

Experimental observation of long-term output mode shape degradation in pulsed Yb-doped fiber amplifiers is reported for the first time. The process occurs in large mode area Yb-doped fibers and is caused by the formation of the long period grating responsible for power transfer from the fundamental mode to the first high-order mode. The linkage between the process and photodarkening was revealed.