S-band amplification in a thulium doped silicate fiber

We demonstrate significant gain over 1470-1540 nm in a thulium doped silica fiber amplifier. The fiber is compatible with standard fabrication techniques, and can be fusion spliced to standard telecommunications fibers. we report the first demonstration of an S-band thulium doped fiber amplifier (TDFA) using a true silicate fiber host which is readily spliced to standard fibers and compatible with standard fabrication technologies. Modifications in composition are expected to yield improvements in lifetime which may enable a truly practical TDFA.