Linearly polarized low-noise Brillouin random fiber laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Fiber Lasers
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Brillouin random fiber lasers (BRFLs) offer unique properties for various applications.
• Achieving high polarization purity and efficiency in BRFLs remains a challenge.
• Distributed feedback mechanisms are crucial for enhancing laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a linearly polarized Brillouin random fiber laser (LP-BRFL) with distributed feedback.
• To investigate the performance of an all-PMF configuration with bidirectional pumping.
• To compare the noise characteristics of the developed LP-BRFL with other laser types.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 2 km long LP-BRFL using polarization-maintaining fibers (PMFs).
• Implementation of a bidirectional pumping mechanism in an all-PMF setup.
• Measurement of power efficiency, polarization extinction ratio, relative intensity noise, and thermal-induced frequency noise.

Main Results:

• The LP-BRFL achieved an 8% power efficiency and >25 dB polarization extinction ratio.
• High lasing efficiency was attributed to polarization-matched Brillouin amplification and distributed feedback.
• The noise performance was evaluated and compared against single-mode-fiber-based and phase-locked lasers.

Conclusions:

• A high-performance LP-BRFL with excellent polarization characteristics has been successfully demonstrated.
• The bidirectional pumping and all-PMF configuration are effective for achieving efficient and stable laser operation.
• The developed LP-BRFL shows promising potential for applications requiring high polarization purity and low noise.