Gamma-ray induced responses in an erbium doped fiber laser

Many people are investigating photonic analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for use in a digital receiver as a plausible solution to increase the bandwidth and resolution over that currently offered by electronic ADCs. A key component of a photonic ADC is a mode-locked fiber laser. A preliminary evaluation of the capability of utilizing this type of laser in space based ionizing environments and applications is required. This paper explains the effects of exposing an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) to a total gamma-ray dose of 1 Mrad (Si). The performance of the laser is characterized in a passive fashion, i.e. before and after the irradiation. Predictions are offered to the extent of radiation induced damage that the fiber laser can endure before breaking down. The results of the evaluation will allow for further optimization of the EDFL for use in space-based architectures and applications.