Efficient wavelength-tunable operation of tandem-pumped Yb fiber lasers

Highly efficient operation of double-clad Yb fiber lasers with fixed-wavelength and wavelength-tunable resonator configurations tandem-pumped by tunable Yb fiber lasers is reported. When wavelength selection was achieved using volume Bragg gratings in an external feedback cavity, the tandem-pumped Yb fiber laser produced maximum output powers of 7.0, 6.8, and 6.4 W at 1070 nm, corresponding to slope efficiencies of 88.2, 87.8, and 89.5%, for pump wavelengths of 1020, 1025, and 1030 nm, respectively. The wavelength-tunable fiber laser employing volume Bragg gratings and diffraction gratings was tuned from 1055 to 1112 nm with a linewidth of ~0.3 nm (FWHM), which was in good agreement with the calculated gain spectra. Optimization of tandem-pumped Yb fiber lasers and the prospect for further improvement in performance are considered.