Polarization-resolved mode evolution in TMI-limited Yb-doped fiber amplifiers using a novel high-speed Stokes polarimeter.

In this work we have developed a high-speed Stokes polarimeter method based on simultaneous 4-channel imaging with a high-speed camera. Thus, current speed limitations of imaging polarimeters for wavelengths around 1 µm can be overcome, allowing a sub-ms polarization-resolved characterization of transverse mode instability (TMI). Additionally, the Stokes parameters of each individual mode are calculated by a simultaneous 4-beam mode reconstruction algorithm during post-processing and can be analyzed with unprecedented temporal resolution.

Experimental analysis of Raman-induced transverse mode instability in a core-pumped Raman fiber amplifier.

The effect of transverse mode instability is a limitation for the power scaling of fiber laser systems, that can originate due to heat caused by stimulated Raman scattering. In this contribution, we experimentally investigate the threshold of transverse mode instability caused by stimulated Raman scattering in a passive fiber. Both, the Stokes seed power and the fiber length of a core-pumped Raman fiber amplifier are varied to systematically study this effect.

Continuous-wave cascaded second Stokes diamond Raman laser at 1477 nm.

We report a high brightness cascaded Stokes diamond Raman laser with a diffraction limited beam quality pumped by an Yd-doped fiber laser. The Raman laser operated at 1477 nm and reached an output power of 63 W with 214 W pump power in continuous-wave mode. Conversion efficiency over 30% was achieved using a single pump pass concentric cavity that was highly resonant at the first Stokes and had high outcoupling at the second Stokes (45%).

Influence of pedestal diameter on mode instabilities in Yb/Ce/Al-doped fibers.

In this paper we present numerical and experimental results revealing that the mode instability threshold of highly Yb-doped, Ce/Al co-doped pedestal fibers is affected by the size of the index-increased pedestal structure surrounding the core. An alternative preparation technology for the realization of large mode area fibers with very large Al-doped silica pedestals is introduced. Three different pedestal fiber design iterations characterized by low photodarkening were manufactured and tested in counter-pumped amplifier setups.

Transverse mode instability in a passive fiber induced by stimulated Raman scattering.

Transverse mode instabilities are a major limitation for power scaling of fiber lasers but have so far only been observed in laser-active fibers. In this contribution we present experimental observations of transverse mode instabilities in a passive fiber. In this fiber, stimulated Raman scattering acted as heat source.