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What is a Gain Fiber?
A gain fiber is an optical fiber whose core contains an active material, typically rare-earth ions, that can amplify light when supplied with energy from a pump source. Gain fibers are the active medium used in fiber lasers and optical amplifiers.
Depending on the dopant and fiber design, gain fibers can provide optical gain across different wavelength ranges, making them suitable for applications ranging from telecommunications to high-power laser systems.
HOW a Gain Fiber Works
A gain fiber converts pump energy into optical gain, allowing an optical signal to be amplified as it propagates through the fiber. The active dopant and fiber design determine the operating wavelength, gain, efficiency, and power-handling capabilities.
Pump absorption
A pump laser injects optical energy into the gain fiber, which is absorbed by the active ions in the core.
Energy transfer
The absorbed energy excites the active ions to higher energy states, creating the conditions required for amplification.
Signal amplification
Through stimulated emission, the excited ions transfer energy to the propagating optical signal, increasing its optical power.
