Demonstration of high-stable self-mode-locking pulses based on self-focusing in fiber lasers

Abstract

Passive ultrafast photoelectric devices based on the self-focusing effect have been deeply studied in ultrashort pulse formation, and great progress has been made in solid-state oscillators known as Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM). The intensity-dependent change of refractive index and the 1–2 fs electronic response time of materials are the basics of KLM. Recently, the advantages of fiber lasers such as compact structure, outstanding environmental stability, excellent heat dissipation potential, and low cost have stimulated great interest among researchers to explore stable and reliable fiber lasers. Based on the feasibility of KML in fiber lasers that have been reported, we demonstrate a high-stable self-mode-locking Er-doped fiber laser in this work. Diverse stable self-mode-locking pulses phenomena can be obtained through adjusting the polarization state of the cavity, including the output pulses with a fundamental frequency of 3.93 MHz, dark-bright soliton pulses, the 3rd harmonic operation, the 81st harmonic operation with the repetition rate of 318.4 MHz and the signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB, and dual-wavelength output.