Pulse width and peak power optimization in a mode‐locked fiber laser with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror

Abstract

In this comprehensive study, we report on the pulse characteristics of a mode‐locked fiber laser comprised of an ytterbium (Yb)‐doped fiber and a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). We show experimentally that the pulse width and peak power of a mode‐locked fiber laser were continuously changed by moving the axial position of the SESAM in the laser cavity. The principle of this pulse width adjustment is explained and demonstrated with a simple numerical simulation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2256–2261, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27077