High-power cw bismuth-fiber lasers

Continuous-wave lasing of Bi-doped fiber lasers in a wavelength range of 1150-1215 nm with a power of up to 15 W has been obtained for the first time. The unsaturable optical losses in Bi-doped fibers have been revealed and their influence on the Bi-laser operation is investigated. Frequency doubling of the Bi-fiber laser radiation is demonstrated that can be used as a yellow light source (wavelength of 580 nm).