2-μm Switchable dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode fiber laser based on a core-offset structure and carbon nanotube

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrate a switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) dual-wavelength fiber laser in 2-μm region based on a core-offset structure and carbon nanotube (CNT). The switchability of the fiber laser is based on a core-offset structure which acts as a tunable filter, so that the laser can work in stable dual-wavelength operation or switch between two wavelengths by adjusting the curvature of the core-offset structure. 3.68 nm (1919.44–1923.12 nm) and 6.32 nm (1890.64–1896.96 nm) tuning range can be obtained by tuning FBGs, respectively. The wavelength shift is less than 0.08 nm, and the power variation is smaller than 0.5 and 1 dB at 1923 and 1897 nm, respectively. The SLM oscillation is guaranteed by the CNT, which works as the loss factor to realize SLM oscillation. Absorption of the CNT increases the lasing threshold of the laser, therefore only the stronger mode can get lasing and SLM emission can be obtained. The proposed fiber laser offers a convenient and low-cost design for switchable dual-wavelength fiber laser in 2-μm region which has potential application in fields of gas sensing, lidar, and so on.