3-Dimensional thermal analysis of Yb3+-doped gain guided and index-antiguided fiber amplifier

In this paper, the thermal characteristics of gain-guided and index-antiguided (GG-IAG) fiber amplifier were investigated with a 3-D heat flow model, based on rate equations. From the simulation results, it is found that the longitudinal heat conduction has a very important influence on the GG-IAG fiber amplifier temperature distribution, and the GG-IAG fiber amplifier would be subjected to a more serious thermal problem. Finally, the influence of different pump directions, cooling methods, cladding radius and negative refractive index step on the temperature distribution has also been studied.

Research Highlights
► The thermal characteristics of GG-IAG fiber amplifiers were investigated by a 3-D model.
► The longitudinal heat conduction can’t be ignored in GG-IAG fiber.
► The influence of some factors on temperature distribution were been studied.
► The GG-IAG fiber would suffer a serious thermal problem.