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Single-transverse-mode output from a fiber laser based on multimode interference
X Zhu1, A Schülzgen, H Li
1College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, 1630 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. xszhu@email.arizona.edu
Optics Letters
|May 3, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method for single-transverse-mode laser emissions using multimode (MM) active fibers and passive single-mode fiber. This technique achieves efficient, narrow-bandwidth laser output with a simple fiber splice.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Fiber Lasers
- Laser Engineering
Background:
- Achieving single-transverse-mode operation in multimode (MM) active fibers is challenging.
- Conventional methods often involve complex setups or compromises in efficiency.
- Developing simpler, efficient approaches for high-quality laser output is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an original approach for single-transverse-mode laser emission from MM active fibers.
- To investigate the efficiency and spectral characteristics of the proposed laser configuration.
- To leverage multimode interference (MMI) for beam quality control.
Main Methods:
- Constructing a fiber laser cavity by splicing a passive single-mode fiber (SMF-28) to a precisely controlled, short active MM fiber section.
- Utilizing the self-imaging property of multimode interference (MMI) within the MM fiber section.
- Analyzing the laser output characteristics, including mode quality, efficiency, and spectral bandwidth.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved single-transverse-mode (diffraction-limited) laser output from the SMF-28 end.
- The MMI fiber laser demonstrated comparable efficiency to standard MM fiber lasers.
- Observed a spectral filtering effect due to in-phase MMI, resulting in a laser bandwidth below 0.5 nm.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated MMI fiber laser offers a simple and effective method for achieving high-quality laser output from MM active fibers.
- This approach combines the benefits of MM fiber gain with the beam quality of SMF.
- The inherent spectral filtering provides narrow-bandwidth operation, suitable for various applications.
