Fabrication and investigation of active composite fibers with phosphate core and silica cladding

We describe composite optical fibers with rare-earth co-doped phosphate-glass core in a silica-glass cladding. High RE-ion concentrations in the phosphate core of the composite fiber allow fiber length reduction in comparison with silica fibers. The silica cladding provides high mechanical strength and protects the phosphate core from air moisture while making it easier to splice with silica fibers.