Intensity noise reduction in a single-frequency ytterbium-codoped erbium laser

We report on intensity noise suppression in a diode-pumped, single-frequency erbium bulk-glass laser codoped with ytterbium. Using an optoelectronic feedback circuit, we acheived a 30-dB reduction of the relaxation oscillation peak, at 160-kHz frequency, to a relative intensity noise of -114 dB/Hz. A useful output power of 15 mW at 1533-nm wavelength was obtained. © 1996 Optical Society of America