Performance of 1.73 μm Superluminescent Source Based on Bismuth-Doped Fiber Under Various Temperature Conditions and γ-Irradiation

Performance characteristics of superluminescent fiber source (SFS) operating at 1.73 μm under different temperature conditions and gamma-irradiation of active fiber were studied. The SFS in a single-pass and backward pumping configuration was constructed using a bismuth-doped high-germania silicate fiber. The output parameters of the SFS including output power, spectral shape, mean wavelength, full width at half maximum, and peak position were measured in the temperature range from -60 to +60 °C. The simulation of the bismuth SFS at room temperature was performed for the first time to our knowledge. The simulation was also used for theoretical study of the SFS performance under gamma-irradiation. The obtained results of calculation are in good agreement with the experimental data. The effect of gamma-radiation exposure (
⁶⁰
Co source) of active fiber on the SFS output power was investigated at different temperatures. The output power as a function of radiation dose is presented. No photobleaching of radiation induced absorption in bismuth doped fibers by pump light at 1550 nm was observed.