介绍了掺铥光纤激光器的基本结构以及工作原理；综述和分析了掺铥光纤激光器的研究国内外进展，阐述了掺铥光纤激光器可以采用几种不同的抽运源进行抽运，即LD抽运源、Nd∶YAG激光器抽运源、掺Yb³⁺光纤激光器抽运源以及色心、掺铒光纤激光器抽运源等。同时也指出了如何提高激光器输出特性的方法，即进一步改善交叉弛豫率、降低上转换以及热处理等。最后展望了掺铥光纤激光器在生物医学领域的应用前景。

The basic configuration and principle of Tm³⁺-doped fiber laser were introduced. The latest reseach progresses of TM³⁺-doped fiber lasers pumped by various pump sources,such as LD,Nd∶YAG laser,Yb³⁺-doped fiber lasers and Er³⁺-doped fiber lasers,were reviewed and analysed in detail. Output characteristics of lasers could be improved through improving cross relaxation rate,minimising energy transfer upconversion and addressing thermal management issues. Some potential applications in the biomedical field was also presented.