Abstract

The erbium 2.8-μm ZBLAN fiber laser is a promising candidate for surgical applications. Owing to pump excited-state absorption (ESA) from the lower laser level and subsequent competitive lasing at 850 nm [1] the 2.8-μm laser usually saturates at some 15 mW output power. Recently a cascade-lasing method has been demonstrated that overcomes the saturation and 150 mW output power have been achieved [2]. However, this cascade laser is extremely difficult to adjust and requirements concerning the specifications of the mirror coatings are high.

© 1996 IEEE