A discussion 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. This second edition contains new and revised material reflecting major developments in academia and industry.

This text examines the current technology of rare earth doped fibres, the laser sources and amplifiers made with these fibres, and fibre communication systems incorporating erbium-doped fibre amplifiers. The book: covers fibre fabrication techniques, basic spectroscopy and optical properties of rare earth in glasses and analytical models of fibre lasers and amplifiers; describes the main passive fibre components used in the fabrication of more elaborate fibre laser devices and systems; discusses the properties of Nd-doped and Er-doped fibre lasers operated as continuous wave, Q-switched and mode-locked sources; reviews the tunability and single frequency operation of fibre laser sources, as well as broadband fibre sources; includes an extensive review of fibre lasers based on rare earth doped fluoride fibres; and treats the main fibre-based systems using erbium-doped fibre amplifiers that have been demonstrated, including long-haul experimental communication systems and local area networks for TV and computers.

Erbium Fiber Amplifiers is a comprehensive introduction to the increasingly important topic of optical amplification. Written by three Bell Labs pioneers, the book stresses the importance of the interrelation of materials properties, optical properties, and systems aspects of optical fiber amplifiers. All disc-based content for this title is now available on the Web. Key Features* Explains the theory of noise in optically amplified systems in an intuitive way* The book contains a discussion of components used in amplifier fabrication and of the attendant technologies used in real systems* The book provides basic tools for amplifier design as well as systems engineering, including the latest developments in WDM and soliton systems* The book discusses the fundamentals of rare earth ions for the reader desiring more depth in the topic* The book is for either the novice of experienced reader* The chapter have links between them to allow the reader to understand the relationship between the amplifier characteristics, noise, and systems applications* The book contains extensive references

This invaluable book provides a comprehensive treatment of design and applications of rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers. Optical fiber amplifier is an important component for optical communication systems. It has applications as pre-amplifiers, post-amplifiers, and repeater amplifiers in evolving optical networks. Optical fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers are also important for high power industrial applications and sensors. The applications of fiber amplifiers were first studied in the late 1980's, since then the diversity and scope of such applications have been steadily growing.Fiber Amplifiers and Fiber Lasers is self-contained and unified in presentation. It can be used as an advanced text by graduate students and by practicing engineers. It is also suitable for non-experts who wish to have an overview of fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers. The treatments in the book are detailed enough to capture the interest of curious readers and are complete enough to provide the necessary background to explore the subject further.

This invaluable book provides a comprehensive treatment of design and applications of rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers. Optical fiber amplifier is an important component for optical communication systems. It has applications as pre-amplifiers, post-amplifiers, and repeater amplifiers in evolving optical networks. Optical fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers are also important for high power industrial applications and sensors. The applications of fiber amplifiers were first studied in the late 1980's, since then the diversity and scope of such applications have been steadily growing. Fiber Amplifiers and Fiber Lasers is self-contained and unified in presentation. It can be used as an advanced text by graduate students and by practicing engineers. It is also suitable for non-experts who wish to have an overview of fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers. The treatments in the book are detailed enough to capture the interest of curious readers and are complete enough to provide the necessary background to explore the subject further.

This book covers the fundamental aspects of fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers, and includes a wide range of material from laser physics fundamentals to state-of-the-art topics, as well as industrial applications in the rapidly growing field of quantum electronics. Emphasis is placed on the nonlinear processes taking place in fiber lasers and amplifiers, their similarities, differences to, and their advantages over other solid-state lasers. The reader will learn basic principles of solid-state physics and optical spectroscopy of laser active centers in fibers, main operational laser regimes, and practical recommendations and suggestions on fiber laser research, laser applications, and laser product development. The book will be useful for students, researchers, and professionals who work with lasers, in the optical communications, chemical and biological industries.