Stability function of lightwaves based on the cascade of multiple four-wave mixing processes and its application to multi-wavelength erbium lasers

Abstract

On the basis of the cascade of multiple four-wave mixing (FWM) processes, the energy stability function of multiple lightwaves propagating through fibers is proved theoretically and confirmed experimentally. This function can help multiple lasers to redistribute power from those that have more to those that have less. Theoretical and experimental results show that the ability of the FWM-induced stability effect gradually becomes weaker with the increase of pump number. The stability effect of waves by multiple FWM processes can effectively overcome the homogeneous gain broadening of an erbium-doped fiber (EDF). By adjusting the attenuators and tuning fiber Bragg gratings, dual-, triple-, and four-wavelength EDF lasers with good stability are demonstrated experimentally at room temperature.