Fiber-Coupled Multiplexed Independent Ho:ZBLAN Waveguide Chip Lasers in a Single Substrate

A readily configurable and scalable 2 µm laser source with multi-channel/wavelength fiber output could be advantageous to 2 µm applications such as spectral-beam combination or fiber communications. We report the first experimental realization and characterization of a two-channel holmium-doped zirconium fluoride glass waveguide array laser pumped by a single thulium fiber laser at 1945 nm. Specific laser wavelengths are selected by fiber Bragg gratings (2076.7 nm and 2074.4 nm), and single channel powers of >100 mW are achieved. Design and assembly details, and considerations for future improvements are discussed, including the potential extension to and beyond a 12 channel source.