High power diode pumped single-transverse-mode Yb fiber laser operating at 978 nm

A single-mode Yb fiber laser delivering 450 mW at 978 nm is reported. The device consists of a tapered multimode Yb fiber pumped with a 2 W 920 nm broadstripe. The pumping scheme has advantages over double-clad fiber lasers when applied to 3-level laser systems.