Researchers grappling with performance limitations in fiber lasers and amplifiers may find relief with Thorlabs' latest release. The company has introduced two new erbium-doped fiber variants optimized for C-band (1530–1565 nm) and L-band (1565–1625 nm) emission, offering enhanced flexibility for applications in telecommunications, industrial systems, and medical technology.
The new fibers comprise the Liekki® series (developed in collaboration with nLIGHT®) and the MetroGain series, each targeting distinct operational requirements:
The fibers address critical design challenges through several key innovations:
| Feature | Liekki® Series | MetroGain Series |
|---|---|---|
| Band Coverage | C+L bands (1530–1610 nm) | L-band optimized |
| Pump Wavelength | 980 nm / 1480 nm | 980 nm |
| Primary Applications | EDFAs, PON/CATV boosters, ultrashort pulse amplifiers | L-band lasers and ASE sources |
| Notable Characteristics | Broadband operation, high doping density | Exceptional absorption, superior mode overlap |
These advancements enable significant improvements across multiple domains:
Additional polarization-maintaining variants are available for applications requiring strict polarization control. The fibers' standardized 125 µm cladding ensures straightforward integration with existing optical components.
This product development reflects ongoing industry efforts to overcome intrinsic limitations in doped fiber technology, particularly regarding gain bandwidth and pump efficiency. The specialized characteristics of these fibers may enable new architectures in optical system design while addressing cost and space constraints.
Researchers grappling with performance limitations in fiber lasers and amplifiers may find relief with Thorlabs' latest release. The company has introduced two new erbium-doped fiber variants optimized for C-band (1530–1565 nm) and L-band (1565–1625 nm) emission, offering enhanced flexibility for applications in telecommunications, industrial systems, and medical technology.
The new fibers comprise the Liekki® series (developed in collaboration with nLIGHT®) and the MetroGain series, each targeting distinct operational requirements:
The fibers address critical design challenges through several key innovations:
| Feature | Liekki® Series | MetroGain Series |
|---|---|---|
| Band Coverage | C+L bands (1530–1610 nm) | L-band optimized |
| Pump Wavelength | 980 nm / 1480 nm | 980 nm |
| Primary Applications | EDFAs, PON/CATV boosters, ultrashort pulse amplifiers | L-band lasers and ASE sources |
| Notable Characteristics | Broadband operation, high doping density | Exceptional absorption, superior mode overlap |
These advancements enable significant improvements across multiple domains:
Additional polarization-maintaining variants are available for applications requiring strict polarization control. The fibers' standardized 125 µm cladding ensures straightforward integration with existing optical components.
This product development reflects ongoing industry efforts to overcome intrinsic limitations in doped fiber technology, particularly regarding gain bandwidth and pump efficiency. The specialized characteristics of these fibers may enable new architectures in optical system design while addressing cost and space constraints.
