Triple-wavelength erbium fiber ring laser based on compound-ring scheme

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Fiber Laser Technology
• Laser Spectroscopy

Background:

• Erbium-doped fiber lasers are crucial for optical communications.
• Achieving stable, multi-wavelength output from fiber lasers presents significant challenges.
• Ring laser cavities offer unique advantages for mode control and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel triple-wavelength erbium-doped compound ring fiber laser.
• To investigate the performance of a fiber-based triple-ring filter (TRF) for multi-wavelength operation.
• To analyze the output characteristics, including wavelengths, power, side-mode suppression, and stability.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of an erbium-doped compound ring fiber laser cavity.
• Integration of a fiber-based triple-ring filter (TRF) for wavelength selection.
• Experimental characterization of the laser output, including spectral analysis and power measurements.
• Evaluation of the optical side-mode suppression ratios (SMSRs) and output power stability.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of simultaneous lasing at three distinct wavelengths: 1555.89 nm, 1556.77 nm, and 1557.66 nm.
• Achieved optical side-mode suppression ratios (SMSRs) of 40.2 dB, 40.4 dB, and 41.6 dB.
• Measured output powers of -9 dBm, -8.8 dBm, and -7.6 dBm at the respective wavelengths.
• Observed a consistent mode spacing of approximately 0.9 nm between the triple wavelengths.
• Analyzed and confirmed the output power stability of the ring laser.

Conclusions:

• The proposed fiber-based triple-ring filter (TRF) scheme effectively enables triple-wavelength operation in an erbium-doped ring fiber laser.
• The developed laser exhibits promising performance metrics, including high SMSRs and stable output power.
• This work contributes a viable method for generating multi-wavelength fiber laser sources for potential applications in optical sensing and communications.