HIGH-POWER QUENCHING RESULTING FROM PUMP EXCITED-STATE ABSORPTION IN AN ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER LASER

We present an interesting theoretical prediction from semiclassical la ser theory, namely, the quenching of laser action at high pump powers that results from the presence of excited-state absorption of pump pho tons. Experimental results are shown from an erbium-doped fiber laser that are consistent with our prediction.