Wavelength tunable single freqeuncy bistability erbium-doped fiber ring laser

Abstract

In this paper, a tunable single-frequency fiber laser is designed. For narrow linewidth and single frequency operation, a length of 2.75m unpumped EDF as a saturable absorber is used. The FBG combined with the unpumped EDF provides narrow frequency selection. Counter propagating beams in the unpumped EDF form a standing wave that results in periodic spatial hole burning. This creates a narrower bandwidth absorption grating than the FBG. The output laser wavelength can be changed from 1530nm to 1570nm by the FBG. The 3dB spectrum width of output laser is 0.08nm and the side mode suppression ratio is 55dB. The maximum output power exceeds 12mW, and the stability is less than ±0.005dB. A nice single-frequency laser is observed. From the relationship of the pump power and output power, it is obvious that the optical bistability switchable phenomena is showed in output characteristics.The bistability switchable phenomena is caused by the saturable absorber in the ring cavity. A 10Gb/s codes rate is used in the fiber laser transmission experiment. The high speed optical signal is transmitted in long distance without regeneration. The eye diagrams of optical transmission are measured, the performance of long haul transmission with high speed modulation is perfect.