Exail launches new Er:Yb optical fiber bringing power scalability to next-generation free-space communication systems

Exail, a European leader in specialty optical fibers, launches a new erbium/ytterbium (Er:Yb) co-doped fiber, setting new performance standards for single-mode fiber lasers operating at 1.5 µm. This innovation expands the potential of ultrafast laser communication between ground stations and space, while driving advancements in LiDAR and quantum technologies.

Scaling fiber lasers to high powers at 1.5 µm requires maintaining beam quality and efficiency while avoiding nonlinear effects, thermal issues, 1 µm parasite emission and long-term degradation — challenges that Exail’s new IXF-2CF-EY-10-130-SMX fiber was specifically engineered to overcome. Featuring a 10 µm core and a 12,5 µm mode field diameter, the fiber delivers stable beam quality and high efficiency, and achieves 30 W output power, while limiting photodarkening effects.

"The new fiber sets a new benchmark for power scalability and long-term reliability. Delivering 30 W of output power for more than 700 hours with exceptional stability and complete immunity to photodarkening, confirms Exail’s pioneering role and deep expertise in materials, waveguide design, and precision manufacturing.” says Omar Sahni, specialty optical fiber product manager at Exail. “This high-performance solution reflects our vision to bring technologies to market that drive breakthroughs, remove key barriers, and unlock new possibilities in fiber laser innovation—helping users to push beyond current technological limits.”

The IXF-2CF-EY-10-130-SMX fiber is available with high-temperature coatings for reliable operation up to 125 °C and it can also be used with standard optical fibers if required. Combined with Exail’s matching passive fibers, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), and pump combiners, users can efficiently develop fully integrated amplifier architectures.