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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Automation of Mode Locking in a Nonlinear Polarization Rotation Fiber Laser through Output Polarization Measurements
Published on: February 28, 2016
Spectrum-, pulsewidth-, and wavelength-switchable all-fiber mode-locked Yb laser with fiber based birefringent filter
Y S Fedotov1, S M Kobtsev, R N Arif
1Division of Laser Physics and Innovative Technologies, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirk, 630090, Russia. fys@ngs.ru
Optics Express
|October 6, 2012
Summary
Controlling ultrashort pulse lasers is crucial. This study demonstrates using polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber in ytterbium (Yb) fiber lasers to tune pulse duration and spectral properties for advanced laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Fiber laser technology
- Ultrafast optics
- Nanomaterials
Background:
- Mode-locked fiber lasers are essential for generating ultrashort optical pulses.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer unique saturable absorption properties for mode-locking.
- Precise control over laser output parameters like pulse duration, spectral width, and wavelength is critical for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for controlling the pulse duration, spectral width, and wavelength of an all-fiber ytterbium (Yb) laser.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber as a spectral filter within the laser cavity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an all-fiber Yb laser mode-locked with carbon nanotubes.
- Inserted a segment of polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber into the laser cavity.
- Adjusted the length of the PM fiber and the polarization controller to tune laser parameters.
Main Results:
- The PM fiber segment effectively acted as a spectral selective filter.
- Varying PM fiber length from 1 to 2 m controlled pulse duration (2–3.8 ps) and spectral bandwidth (0.15–1.26 nm).
- Wavelength detuning up to 5 nm was achieved by adjusting the polarization controller with a fixed PM fiber length.
Conclusions:
- A simple PM fiber insertion provides an effective method for controlling pulse duration and spectral bandwidth in CNT mode-locked Yb fiber lasers.
- The demonstrated tunability of output parameters using PM fiber and a polarization controller offers a versatile approach for laser system design.
- This technique enhances the applicability of fiber lasers in fields requiring precise optical pulse characteristics.
