Characteristics of a CW ∼5 μm Ce3+-doped chalcogenide glass fiber laser

Abstract

Abstract Energy, spectral and temporal characteristics of a Ce3+-doped chalcogenide glass fiber laser continuously pumped by a 4.16 μm Fe2+:ZnSe laser were investigated. Milliwatt level output power was obtained. In case of low Q-factor of the resonator the laser operated at λ = 4.62 μm corresponding to the narrow peak in Ce3+ emission spectrum. At higher Q-factor, the lasing wavelength changed to 5.0–5.1 μm corresponding to the plateau in the gain spectrum. In contrast to Tb3+-doped mid-infrared fiber lasers, Ce3+-doped fiber laser had no tendency to non-relaxing spike operation.