Modeling and experiments of actively Q-switched Er/sup 3+/-Yb/sup 3+/ codoped clad-pumped fiber lasers

Two models are presented to describe the complex dynamics of Q-switched clad-pumped Er/sup 3+/-Yb/sup 3+/ codoped fiber lasers (EYDFLs): the full model that includes the full wavelength-dependence of parameters in the 1550- and the 1080-nm band due to Er/sup 3+/ and Yb/sup 3+/, respectively, and the simplified model that assumes single wavelengths for both bands. The models are based on detailed rate equations that include energy transfer between Er/sup 3+/ and Yb/sup 3+/ ions, and spontaneous emission due to both Er/sup 3+/ and Yb/sup 3+/. The simplified model is shown to agree with the full model within 10% difference. Experiments are performed using a 4-m-long single-mode clad-pumped EYDFL, and pulse energy of 14.5 /spl mu/J is achieved. Excellent agreement is shown between the simplified model and experiments. The model is further used to study the extractable energy of the laser and show limiting factors: amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and energy storage in Yb/sup 3+/ ions. The model is also used to optimize the pulse energy in terms of fiber length, pump power, and Er/sup 3+/-Yb/sup 3+/ concentrations.