Abstract: The present invention discloses an elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining large-mode-area gain fiber, structurally comprising a core of the elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining large-mode-area gain fiber, an inner cladding, an elliptical stress layer, a first outer cladding, a second outer cladding and a third outer cladding, wherein the inner cladding surrounds the core; the elliptical stress layer surrounds the inner cladding, and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape; the first outer cladding surrounds the elliptical stress layer; the second outer cladding surrounds the first outer cladding; and the third outer cladding surrounds the second outer cladding. As the birefringence of the elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining fiber is directly proportional to the ellipticity and the deposition of a stress-applying area occurs during the preform rod forming process, procedures of preform drilling and the like are eliminated, and the likelihood of preform contamination is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining large-mode-area gain fiber, structurally comprising a core of the elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining large-mode-area gain fiber, an inner cladding, an elliptical stress layer, a first outer cladding, a second outer cladding and a third outer cladding, wherein the inner cladding surrounds the core; the elliptical stress layer surrounds the inner cladding, and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape; the first outer cladding surrounds the elliptical stress layer; the second outer cladding surrounds the first outer cladding; and the third outer cladding surrounds the second outer cladding. As the birefringence of the elliptical cladding polarization-maintaining fiber is directly proportional to the ellipticity and the deposition of a stress-applying area occurs during the preform rod forming process, procedures of preform drilling and the like are eliminated, and the likelihood of preform contamination is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical waveguides, and more particularly to optical fibers suitable for use with high optical energies, and to devices using them. One aspect of the invention is an optical fiber having a cross-sectional profile comprising a base glass material; a first ring of first low refractive index glass features disposed in the base glass material; and a second ring of second low refractive index glass features disposed in the base glass material outside of and substantially concentric with the first ring, wherein the optical fiber has a loss of less than about 0.7 dB/m for the fundamental mode and a loss greater than about 10 dB/m for all other modes in a coiled configuration having a coil diameter in the range of about 20 cm to about 200 cm.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a glass fiber having a glass core and a cladding which contains voids spaced apart from the core. The voids act as trapping sites for ingressing molecules from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the effect of such molecules on the fiber's light-transmission properties.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a glass fiber having a glass core and a cladding, and a hermetic layer having a high thermal stability disposed on the cladding. The glass core contains not more than about 1 mole % phosphorous. The optical fiber is adapted to operate under harsh conditions, such as elevated temperatures and/or hydrogen-containing environments. Methods for producing optical fibers, as well as methods for transmitting radiation in harsh environments using the optical fibers, are also provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a glass fiber having a glass core and a cladding which contains voids spaced apart from the core. The voids act as trapping sites for ingressing molecules from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the effect of such molecules on the fiber's light-transmission properties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are sulfur rich glass compositions comprising germanium, gallium and sulfur, which glass compositions have a low energy phonon spectrum and which glass compositions serve as a host for active materials in fabricating light sources such as fiber laser oscillators, light amplifiers, and superluminescent sources. In particular, such a laser oscillator, light amplifier or superluminescent source is comprised of an inventive glass composition which is doped with rare earth ions such as Pr.sup.3+ or Dy.sup.3+ for producing light output at wavelengths, among others, substantially at 1.3 um. Further embodiments of the present invention are light sources such as laser oscillators, light amplifiers and superluminescent sources which have emissions substantially at 1.3 um and which are comprised of an inventive glass composition which is doped with Dy.sup.3+ and Yb3+ ions, wherein Dy.sup.3+ ions are pumped by energy transfer from Yb3+ ions.