We propose and demonstrate a novel hybrid Brillouin/erbium fiber laser
that uses both Brillouin gain in single-mode optical fiber and gain i
n erbium-doped fiber. The lasing frequency was accurately determined b
y the Brillouin shift in single-mode optical fiber and was 10.35 GHz f
rom the Brillouin pump. Large powers could be extracted because of inc
orporation of erbium-doped fiber in the laser resonator. An output pow
er of 10 mW was measured at a wavelength of 1532 nm. (C) 1996 Optical
Society of America