Modeling and Analysis of a Pulsed Yb-Tm Fiber Laser System

Taking a comprehensive consideration of related excited state absorption, upconversion emission, and cross relaxation processes, a theoretical model concerning a pulsed Yb-Tm fiber laser is established. The criterion for stable Q-switching is derived with both excited state absorption processes and mode field area mismatch taken into account. And, detailed population transitions of major energy levels are illustrated. Impacts of pump power, mode field area ratio and saturable absorber length on the output characteristics of the pulsed laser system are investigated and analyzed. Simulations show that the excited state absorption transition
³
F
₄
→
³
F
_2,3
is the predominant factor supporting the passive Q-switching of Yb-Tm fiber lasers. Besides the pump power, the mode field area ratio and the length of the saturable absorber are also important factors affecting the output characteristics of the pulsed laser system. Proper choice of these parameters not only brings significant improvements to the pulse performance, with regards to both the pulse energy and the pulse duration, but also expands the stable operation range of the laser system. And, in practice, an effective mode field area ratio bigger than 1.65 should be exploited for the stable Q-switching operation of a pulsed Yb-Tm fiber laser.