Power scaling of Tm3+ doped ZBLAN blue upconversion fiber lasers: modeling and experiments

Power scaling of Tm³⁺ doped ZBLAN blue upconversion fiber lasers was investigated by a simple model. Based on our experimental results on blue fiber lasers, we discuss the effects of photodegradation and photocuring, fiber length, the reflectivity of the coupler mirror and fiber core diameter on further enhancement of blue fiber laser, respectively. The optimal parameters (including fiber length, fiber core diameter and the reflectivity of the coupler mirror) for the operation of high power (>1 W) blue fiber laser were presented through simple numerical simulations, which are valuable for the future design of high power blue upconversion fiber laser. PACS 42.55.Wd; 42.60. Lh