Thulium-doped silica fibers with enhanced 3H4 level lifetime : modelling the devices for 800-820 nm band

Silica-based thulium-doped fiber devices operating around 810 nm would extend the spectral range covered by high- power fiber devices. Using a comprehensive numerical model of the fiber we have shown that efficient lasing at 810 nm can be achieved for specific ranges of the laser cavity parameters in silica-based thulium-doped fibers with enhanced 3H4 lifetime up to 58 μs as measured in our highly alumina-codoped fibers. We present optimization of the thulium-doped fiber and laser cavity parameters and also potential applications of the developed host material in amplifiers and broadband sources.