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What is a tm/ho doped fiber?
(Thulium/Holmium doped fiber)
Thulium/Holmium doped fibers are optical fibers whose glass core is doped with thulium (Tm³⁺) and holmium (Ho³⁺) ions to provide optical gain at wavelengths around the 2 µm spectral region. They are used as gain media for fiber lasers and amplifiers requiring efficient operation at these longer wavelengths.
Co-doping with thulium and holmium can enable efficient energy transfer between the rare-earth ions, helping generate or amplify laser signals in the 2 µm range. These wavelengths are particularly interesting for applications where atmospheric transmission, material interaction, or specific molecular absorption characteristics are important.
HOW a Thulium/Holmium Doped Fibers Work
The principle can be understood through three main steps:
Pump absorption
Thulium ions absorb energy from a pump laser, typically at shorter wavelengths.
Energy transfer
Excited thulium ions transfer energy to holmium ions, populating the energy levels required for emission around 2 µm.
Optical amplification
The excited holmium ions undergo stimulated emission, amplifying or generating the desired optical signal as it propagates through the doped fiber.
