Determination of erbium distribution in optical fibers using confocal optical microscopy

Confocal fluorescence microscopy has been used to detect the 565 nm wavelength fluorescence generated from Er/sup +3/ ions present in erbium doped optical fibers, thereby enabling the concentration profile of these ions in the fiber core to be determined. The fluorescence intensity distribution also enables the total Er/sup +3/ ion concentration in the fibers to be estimated, and the estimated values are shown to be in good agreement with data supplied by the fiber manufacturers.<
>