Optimization of Pr/sup 3+/:ZBLAN fiber amplifiers

Experimental parameters have been measured and used in a quantitative model of Pr/sup 3+/-doped fluorozirconate fiber amplifiers. The optimum cutoff wavelength was determined to be 800 nm and the gain for 400 mW of pump was found to increase from 12 to 34 dB if the NA was increased from 0.15 to 0.25. Lengthening the metastable state lifetime from 110 to 300 mu s would significantly improve amplifier performance while concentration quenching can appreciably degrade it.<
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