Rare-earth-doped fibers with single-crystal cores have the potential for 10x higher TMI threshold than their glass counterparts and are a promising candidate for use as gain media in high-power laser systems. Their utility has been limited by parasitic optical losses and difficulty in fabrication. This paper explores methods to reduce the losses in these fibers in the core, in the cladding and at the core-cladding interface. Fabrication methods are also discussed.
Doped single-crystal YAG fibers used as single-mode lasers require claddings with precise refractive index and high thermal conductivity. Three cladding materials that use coextrusion of green cladding on fiber cores as an initial processing step are described: 1. Undoped YAG cladding, followed by sintering or hot isostatic pressing. 2. Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 garnet cladding that melts beneath 1400°C. 3. LiCa2Mg2As3xV3-3xO12 garnet cladding that melts beneath 1100°C. Microstructures are characterized by TEM. Equipment and procedures are described. Garnet refractive index models are developed and validated to predict cladding refractive index. Advantages and disadvantages of the different claddings are compared.
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