Applications of Optical Gain Media.

The work done under this project number included a variety of projects over a period of several years and for this reason the topics are covered separately. One major unifying theme involved the practical applications of optical gain media in fiber optic systems. These followed somewhat of a logical progression in that optical amplification specialized to fiber amplification, which stimulated fiber laser development. Since some of these efforts at times overlapped and involved other personnel, this report emphasizes those areas not previously covered by other reports and even some topics not well covered in current literature. It can be observed in retrospect that many of the experiments in this project paralleled or preceded key developments in the fields of optical amplification and ultra short pulsed fiber based sources. To facilitate an overview of the several distinct project areas, the most important results of each one are summarized separately. Detailed experimental descriptions are given, and in some cases are supplemented by theoretical analysis of important aspects.