Yb3+-doped photonic crystal fibre laser

Abstract
An ytterbium doped core has been incorporated into a photonic crystal fibre (PCF) with anomalous group velocity dispersion at all wavelengths longer than 730 nm. Laser action is observed for the first time in such a fibre. This demonstration of lasing in PCF is a vital step towards realising the huge potential of PCF for fibre laser applications.