X-ray absorption spectroscopy for high performance rare-earth-doped fiber lasers

Purpose and goal:

The aim of the project is to optimize glass manufacturing processes for improved laser performance and energy conversion efficiency. The goal of the project is to achieve a new level of understanding of fiber laser materials by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at Balder, MAX IV. The project is a collaboration between RISE (project leader and XAS experts) and NKT Photonics (need owner), a world-leading manufacturer of optical fibers, lasers and fiber lasers.

Expected results and effects:

The chemical structure around the rare earth laser ion affects the efficiency and lifetime of the laser. The structure determination will be correlated to optical measurements in order to model the characteristics of the fiber laser and improve its performance. The chemical structure of elements present in low concentrations is challenging to determine in glass materials.

Approach and implementation:

X-ray absorption spectroscopy will be performed on both bulk glass and finished fibers to obtain information about the local environment of the lasing rare earth ion. This information will be correlated to optical measurements in order to model the characteristics of the fiber laser and improve its performance.