Strongly pumped fiber lasers

Strongly pumped fiber lasers are analyzed, based on a rate equation model. Examples include Nd/sup 3+/-doped and Yb/sup 3+/-doped fiber lasers, with distributed Bragg reflector mirrors at either end. Approximate analytical and quasi-analytical expressions are shown to be in excellent agreement with the exact numerical solution of the rate equations, and both agree well with recently published experimental data.