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Updated: May 29, 2026
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In-situ Tapering of Chalcogenide Fiber for Mid-infrared Supercontinuum Generation
Published on: May 27, 2013
Gain-switched CW fiber laser for improved supercontinuum generation in a PCF
C Larsen1, D Noordegraaf, P M W Skovgaard
1DTU Fotonik—Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark. crla@fotonik.dtu.dk
Optics Express
|September 22, 2011
Summary
We achieved broad supercontinuum generation using a high-power fiber laser. This method offers a wider spectrum and high output power, making it a scalable alternative to other supercontinuum sources.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Photonics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation is crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography.
- Traditional methods often require complex setups or high-peak-power pulsed lasers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate efficient supercontinuum generation using a gain-switched continuous wave (CW) fiber laser.
- To characterize the spectral broadening and output power of the generated supercontinuum.
- To compare the performance with CW-pumped systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a gain-switched high-power CW fiber laser to generate nanosecond pulses with >700 W peak power.
- Coupling the pulse train into a commercial nonlinear photonic crystal fiber (PCF).
- Analyzing the spectral characteristics and output power of the supercontinuum.
Main Results:
- Generated a supercontinuum spanning 500 to 2250 nm.
- Achieved a total output power of 12 W with >1000 nm bandwidth.
- Demonstrated infrared flatness of 6 dB and power density >5 dBm/nm.
- Observed broader spectral coverage compared to CW-pumped systems.
Conclusions:
- Gain-switched CW fiber laser pumping enables efficient supercontinuum generation.
- The approach offers high power, scalability, and reduced system complexity.
- This method presents an attractive alternative to picosecond-pumped supercontinuum sources.
