Efficient Tm3+, Ho3+-co-doped silica fibre laser diode pumped at 1150 nm

High power and highly efficient operation of a Tm3+, Ho3+-doped silica fibre laser that is pumped with diode lasers operating at 1150 nm is demonstrated. Internal slope efficiencies approaching the Stokes limit were produced and the maximum output power was 2.9 W. High power diode lasers operating at 1150 nm are valuable pump sources for a range of fibre lasers offering output in the shortwave infrared spectrum.