This book provides an examination of the theories, operating characteristics, and current technology of main fiber laser and amplifier devices based on rare-earth-doped silica and fluorozirconate fibers. It describes the principles, designs, and properties of the erbium-doped fiber amplifier and its role as the cornerstone component in optical communication systems.

Rare-Earth-Doped Fiber Lasers and Amplifiers, Third Edition contains new and revised material reflecting major developments in academia and industry. The book discusses the theories, fabrication techniques, physical properties, operating characteristics, and current and advanced technologies associated with fiber laser and amplifier devices. The authors also present discussion on Q-switch fiber lasers, principles of mode-locked fiber lasers and applications, high power Yb-doped fiber lasers, visible fluoride fiber lasers, Tm-doped mode-locked fiber lasers at 2um, Ho-doped mode-locked fiber lasers, and 1.3um fiber amplifiers. Optical properties of rare-earth-doped glasses and rare-earth-doped infrared-transmitting glass fibers are described as well as CW silica fiber lasers and broadband fiber sources. Finally, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers including basic physics, characteristics, and recent advances are discussed.

This book is intended for laser and optical engineers, telecommunication engineers, network and system engineers, applied physicists, and electronic engineers.