Investigation of Core Compositions for Efficient 976 nm Lasing From Step Index Large-Mode-Area Fiber

We present an efficient 976 nm fiber laser achieved in a step index large-mode-area (LMA) fiber by 915 nm diode pumping. The 976 nm lasing was enabled using spectroscopic engineering in a fiber design that helps suppress the competing 1030 nm gain. Our study shows, alumino-phospho-silicate (Al:P) is advantageous for shaping a gain spectrum in favor of 976 nm compared to other widely used compositions, hence facilitating otherwise the challenging 976 nm lasing. In addition, a germanium (Ge)-cladding was introduced to achieve LMA and low numerical aperture step-index fiber, permitting a wavelength selective bending technique. By applying the bending technique, an efficient 976 nm lasing was achieved with up to 15 W output power (pump power limited) with 28% slope efficiency in the step-index LMA fiber.