Real-time observation of dissipative solitons formation and breaking dynamics in a mode-locked fiber laser

Abstract

The formation and breaking dynamics of dissipative solitons (DSs) are observed in a passive mode-locked fiber laser using dispersive Fourier transform technique. Q-switched instabilities are observed both in the formation of DS and the transition breaking dynamics of DSs on gradually increasing the pump power. The real time temporal and spectral dynamics of the entire dynamics are discussed. The generation of the Q-switched instabilities could be attributed to the weak pulse energy before reaching the stable soliton state. These findings would facilitate an in-depth understanding of the formation and breaking dynamics of DSs.