Spectroscopy, Modeling, and Performance of Erbium-Doped Ta $_{2}$ O $_{5}$ Waveguide Amplifiers

The design, fabrication, spectroscopic characterization, and performance of an Er:Ta 2 O 5 rib waveguide amplifier is described. Rib waveguides with low loss ( 2 O 5 waveguide amplifiers is presented, employing the experimentally determined parameters. Finally, net optical gain of 2.1 dB/cm at 1531.5 nm is demonstrated in a 2.3 cm long Er:Ta 2 O 5 rib waveguide when pumped with 977 nm laser diode, and compared with simulations to deduce the extent of upconversion.