Multi-mode optical fiber

Physics

Plastic optical fiber

Laser

Bismuth

Continuous wave

Optics

Composite material

Fiber laser

Core (optical fiber)

Metallurgy

Materials science

Optical fiber

Zero-dispersion wavelength

Optoelectronics

Doping

Wavelength

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

The light sources operating in the spectral range 1600-1800 nm are of great interest because of a number of potential scientific and practical applications. This stimulates a search for effective laser media for this wavelength region. Recent progress in the studying of bismuth (Bi)-doped fibers is related to the development of Bi-doped high-germania-core fibers for the mentioned wavelength region. This paper is concerned with the current state of the art in the research field of this kind of the laser-active fibers. The fabrication and spectroscopic properties of the Bi-doped high-germania-core fibers are described. The photo-induced bleaching and recovery stimulated by thermal treatment of luminescent centers in these fibers are presented. The review also includes the description of the basic parameters of the optical devices (continuous wave (CW) and pulsed lasers, amplifiers, superluminescent sources) developed using Bi-doped high-germania-core fibers.

Laser-Active Fibers Doped With Bismuth for a Wavelength Region of 1.6–1.8 μm