Wavelength-tunable noise-like fiber laser based on PbS quantum dot saturable absorber film

Abstract

A wavelength-tunable noise-like pulse (NLP) erbium-doped fiber laser incorporating PbS quantum dot (QD) polystyrene (PS) composite film as a saturable absorber (SA) is experimentally demonstrated. The wavelength tuning is implemented via a Lyot filter consisting of a segment of polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) and a 45° tilted fiber grating. By adjusting the polarization state of the ring cavity, the laser can deliver NLP with a continuous wavelength-tunable range from 1550.21 to 1560.64 nm. During continuous wavelength tuning, the output power varies between a range of 30.88–48.8 mW. Worthwhile noting is that the output power of 48.8 mW is the reported highest output power for wavelength-tunable NLP operation in an erbium-doped fiber laser using composite film as a saturable absorber.

Versatile wavelength tunable noise-like pulse generation from an erbium doped fiber laser using an intra-cavity Michelson interferometer

“…Li et al reported a tunable NLP laser using an inline tunable filter [16]. Other tuning mechanisms for NLP lasers reported thus far include sagnac filters, lyot filters or complex spatial filter elements [17][18][19][20][21]. Most of these studies on wavelength tunable NLPs use commercial tunable filters in the resonator thereby limiting the versatility and increasing the cost.…”