L-Band Wavelength Tunable Dissipative Soliton Fiber Laser

Abstract

AbstractWe have compared the wavelength tuning capability of filter-controlled fiber laser with cavity loss-controlled fiber laser when they emit dissipative soliton in L band. Two types of typical tunable filters (birefringence filter and fiber taper filter) and variable attenuators (a taper-type attenuator and commercial mechanical attenuator) are selected and incorporated in a fiber laser, respectively. It is observed that tunable filter control is preferred to dissipative soliton wavelength tuning operation, exhibiting wider continuous spectral tunability, more wavelength switchable potential, no forbidden region, less pulse variation and easier implementation. As long as the tunable filter is controlled suitably, the wavelength tuning can be achieved without variation of other cavity parameters, namely, pump power. Also, it is pivotal to choose a suitable tunable filter. Filter with broad operating wavelength range, large free spectral range, high extinction ratio as well as favorable controllability is more desirable in wavelength tunable dissipative soliton fiber laser. Our work may open the door to extend the tuning range of dissipative soliton in fiber laser.