Measuring the spatial distribution of rare-earth dopants in high-power optical fibers

A. D. Yablon

doi:10.1117/12.873291

10 February 2011 Measuring the spatial distribution of rare-earth dopants in high-power optical fibers

A. D. Yablon

Proceedings Volume 7914, Fiber Lasers VIII: Technology, Systems, and Applications; 79141N (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.873291
Event: SPIE LASE, 2011, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

For the first time, a non-destructive technique for spatially resolving the location and relative concentration of rare-earth dopants in an optical fiber is demonstrated. This novel technique is based on computerized tomographic detection of spontaneous emission and achieves micron-scale spatial resolution with the aid of oil-immersion imaging. In addition to elucidating interactions between the signal, pump, and dopant distributions, the measurement described here can reveal shortcomings in fiber manufacturing. Since the technique is non-destructive and can be scanned along the fiber length, it can map the full 3-dimensional distribution of complex rare-earth-doped fiber structures including gratings, physical tapers, fusion splices, and even couplers. Experimental data obtained from commercially available Yb-doped silica optical fibers is presented, contrasted, and compared to refractive index profile data. In principle the technique can also be applied to Er-, Bi-, or Tm-doped silica or non-silica optical fibers.

Citation Download Citation

A. D. Yablon "Measuring the spatial distribution of rare-earth dopants in high-power optical fibers", Proc. SPIE 7914, Fiber Lasers VIII: Technology, Systems, and Applications, 79141N (10 February 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.873291

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