Erbium-doped fiber characterization by fluorescence dynamics measurement

A technique for erbium-doped fiber characterization is presented. Its foundation lies in the study of the transversal and copropagating fluorescence time evolution when pumping is switched on and off. A model that describes these phenomena is developed, and experimental results, in good agreement with the model, are shown. The stimulated emission cross sections and an effective erbium-density distribution are determined from the measurements.