Tunable multiwavelength erbium-doped fiber laser based on nonlinear optical loop mirror and birefringence fiber filter

Abstract

A tunable multiwavelength erbium-doped fiber laser (MWEDFL) based on nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) and tunable birefringence fiber filter (BFF) is proposed and demonstrated. By combination of intensity-dependent loss modulation induced by NOLM and pump power adjustment, the proposed laser can achieve independent control over the number of lasing lines, without affecting other important characteristics such as channel spacing and peak location. In addition, the laser allows wavelength tuning with both the peak location and the spectral range of lasing lines controllable. Specifically, the peak location of lasing lines can be controlled to scan the whole spectral range between adjacent channels of comb filter by adjusting the BFF. Moreover, the spectral range of lasing lines can be controlled by adjusting NOLM. This tunable MWEDFL may be useful for fiber-optic communication and fiber-optic sensing.