Development of advanced rare-earth doped optical fibres for high-power laser applications

Fibre lasers that are increasingly becoming the preferred light source for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications, have driven the development of new types of rare-earth (i.e., Yb, Er, Tm, and Ho) doped fibres, each with a unique set of properties tailored for specific applications. As the fibre design and material properties of the fibre core play a critical role in laser performance, a more powerful fibre fabrication process is required beyond the current industry standard process, known as MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapour Deposition) - solution doping technique.

In this PhD project, we will develop novel optical fibre materials and fabrication techniques using gas phase deposition of active dopants in conjunction with the MCVD process for the realisation of advanced rare-earth doped fibres with tailored dopant profiles and large core, as required for the next generation of high power fibre lasers and amplifiers. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with an industrial partner, a leading manufacturer of specialty optical fibres based in Southampton.