Numerical analysis of amplification characteristics of ErxY2 − xSiO5

The gain characteristics of ErxY2 − xSiO5 waveguide amplifiers have been investigated by solving rate equations and propagation equations. The gain at 1.53 μm as a function of waveguide length, Er3+ concentration and pump power is studied pumping at three different wavelengths of 654 nm, 980 nm and 1480 nm, respectively. The optimum Er3+ concentrations of 1 × 1021 cm− 3–2 × 1021 cm− 3 with the high gain are obtained for all three pump wavelengths. Pumping at 654 nm wavelength is shown to be the most efficient one due to weak cooperative upconversion. A maximum 16 dB gain at 1 mm waveguide length under a 30 mW pump with Er3+ concentration of 1 × 1021 cm− 3 is demonstrated pumping at 654 nm wavelength.