Micro-fluorescence lifetime and spectral imaging of thulium doped laser materials

The spectroscopy of Tm-doped fiber preforms fabricated using MCVD is analyzed spatially resolved using a newly developed scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. Fluorescence spectra as well as fluorescence lifetime can be evaluated with high spatial resolution and the effects of preform fabrication are analyzed. The proposed method is a valuable tool for analyzing and improving Tm-doped materials, not only derived from MCVD processes but also for any Tm-doped material.