Diode-pumped 1.7-W erbium 3-μm fiber laser

We report what is to our knowledge the first 3-mu m fiber laser of the 1-W class. 1.7 W of output power and 17.3% slope efficiency (with respect to the launched pump power) at a wavelength of 2.71 mu m are demonstrated from a double-clad erbium-doped ZBLAN fiber diode pumped at 790 nm. Energy transfer from the Er3+ lower laser level to a Pr3+ codopant decreases ground-state bleaching and excited-state absorption, thus avoiding output-power saturation. This result represents more than an order-of-magnitude improvement over previous work of which we are aware. Advantages over current crystal-laser designs include nearly transverse-fundamental-mode operation, reduced thermal effects, and ease of use, e.g., in medical endoscopy. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.