Towards optimal conversion efficiency of Brillouin random fiber lasers in a half-open linear cavity

We proposed and demonstrated an unprecedented high-efficiency Brillouin random fiber laser (BRFL) by fiber length optimization in a half-open linear cavity. In terms of the trade-off between Brillouin gain saturation and weak distributed Rayleigh feedback strength, optimal laser efficiency associated to proper fiber length in a BRFL was theoretically predicted. As a proof-of-concept, a unidirectional-pumped BRFL with a half-open linear cavity was experimentally conducted, in which a fiber Bragg grating at one end of gain fiber served as a high-reflection mirror while Rayleigh scattering enabled distributed feedback for random lasing resonance. Results show that the optimal fiber length of ∼3.4 km in the BRFL offers sufficient Rayleigh scattered random feedback whilst alleviating the Brillouin gain saturation to a large extent. Consequently, an optimal laser efficiency of 77.0% in the BRFL was experimentally demonstrated, which reaches the state-of-the-art high record. Laser characteristics, including the linewidth, statistics and frequency jitter were also systematically investigated. It is believed that such efficient BRFL could provide a promising platform for inspiring new explorations of laser physics as well as potentials in long-haul coherent communication and fiber-optic sensing.