Characteristics of a CW ∼5 μm Ce3+-doped chalcogenide glass fiber laser

Abstract Energy, spectral and temporal characteristics of a Ce 3+ -doped chalcogenide glass fiber laser continuously pumped by a 4.16 μ m Fe 2+ :ZnSe laser were investigated. Milliwatt level output power was obtained. In case of low Q-factor of the resonator the laser operated at λ = 4.62 μ m corresponding to the narrow peak in Ce 3+ emission spectrum. At higher Q-factor, the lasing wavelength changed to 5.0–5.1 μ m corresponding to the plateau in the gain spectrum. In contrast to Tb 3+ -doped mid-infrared fiber lasers, Ce 3+ -doped fiber laser had no tendency to non-relaxing spike operation.