Generation of 2.8 µm fiber laser using an Erbium‐doped ZBLAN double‐clad fiber in a linear‐cavity‐free space experimental setup

Mid‐infrared (MIR) fiber lasers are highly demand after for a variety of technological applications, including uses such as laser surgery, frequency metrology, and spectroscopy. This paper demonstrates a stable continuous‐wave laser operation in the 2.8 µm using an Er3+‐doped ZBLAN fiber operating in a free space experimental setting. A laser output power of 12.4 mW was attained in a linear cavity when this fiber was pumped at 2.9 W of 980 nm laser diode.