Image amplifier based on Yb3+-doped multi-core phosphate optical fiber

We demonstrate image amplification with a 19-pixel optical image amplifier array based on high gain per unit length Yb3+-doped phosphate glass optical fiber. The 19 pixels of the image amplifier provide spatially uniform image amplification whose gain can reach 30 dB/pixel or more with a fiber length of 10 cm. This image amplifier responds quickly to changes in the image position – with potential for GHz-level frame rates. This unique approach for image amplification offers low noise, high gain, and wide field of view in a compact fiber-based device.