Tunable 300 W single-frequency 2 micron fiber amplifier

Abstract: We present an all-fiber design for a Tm-based fiber amplifier that can tune over 1992-2065 nm with 300-350 W single-frequency (<100 kHz) output. Over 180 W is achieved out to 2085 nm with <10% ASE content without utilizing in-line spectral filtering. The amplifier employs both Tm- and Tm/Ho-doped gain fibers in two preamplifier stages in addition to longer sections of Tm fiber to extend the bandwidth of the Tm-based high-power amplifier to longer wavelengths (>2050 nm). Efficiencies of 55% are realized across the full bandwidth. Roll-off occurs beyond 2085 nm where ASE becomes intractable. The amplifier has an average M^2 value of 1.39 at high-power due to the presence of light guided within the fiber pedestal. Estimates of the pedestal light and higher-order mode contents are provided.