Overview of Rare Earth Doped Fibers, Applications and Fabrication

Abstract: Rare earth doped fibers have become ubiquitous in our society used for making fiber-based lasers and optical amplifiers. In this presentation, we provide an overview of what rare earth doped fibers are, and why rare earths are used as a dopant. Also reviewed are how these fibers are used to make optical devices such as amplifiers used in telecommunications applications, and for making lasers capable of 10’s of kW of output power, highly energy efficient, and capable of cutting thick metals sheets of steal and other metals, and for welding applications. Fiber lasers have also become important in medical applications used as a scalpel in eye surgery, and to break up kidney stones in a procedure called laser lithotripsy. Finally, we will discuss 3 different processes used to fabricate these fibers. About the Presenter: Richard Tumminelli began his career at Fiber Optic Center (FOC) in 2020 as Rare Earth Doped Optical Fiber Expert, Process Development and Manufacturing Consultant. Rick recently retired from the position of Director of Engineering at the Coherent fiber site in Salem, NH, and has been working in the field of rare earth doped optical fiber for 40 years. Prior to this position, he managed the specialty fiber group at JDS Uniphase, specializing in double clad fibers for fiber lasers and erbium doped fiber. Richard also held positions in the optics group at Draper Laboratories, and was a member of the Polaroid fiber optic team under the direction of Dr. Elias Snitzer, which did much of the seminal work in rare earth doped fibers, fiber lasers and amplifiers. He is a co-inventor of double clad fiber laser pumping, has been granted 22 patents and has 20 publications in fiber lasers and amplifiers.