Intracavity filtering effect in a dual-output linear-cavity all-PM fiber laser mode-locked byNPE.

Abstract

We have demonstrated a stable and low-noise all-polarization-maintaining (PM) ultrafast erbium-doped fiber laser mode-locked via nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) in a linear cavity with dual outputs. A detailed design strategy is presented. The all-PM configuration enhances the capability of resistance to environmental fluctuations. Self-starting mode-locking is realized by using a non-reciprocal phase shifter. The dual-output structure offers the intracavity filtering effect, where the reflective port serves as a bandpass spectral filter, significantly improving the transmissive-port optical properties. The laser directly generates ultrashort pulses with a pulse duration of 129fs operating at a fundamental repetition rate of 105.8MHz. The integrated root-mean-square (RMS) relative intensity noise from 10Hz to 10MHz is ∼0.008%, and the integrated RMS timing jitter from 5kHz to 10MHz is ∼36f s. Long-term stability is confirmed in 25h with a RMS power fluctuation of ∼0.10%. Our high-performance fiber laser is a prospective candidate for low-noise applications.