Optically switched erbium fiber laser using a tunable fiber-Bragg grating

Robert J. Williams, Nemanja Jovanovic, Graham D. Marshall, Michael J. Withford

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
58 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The ability to tune the Bragg wavelength of a fibre-Bragg grating (FBG) in an all-fibre laser can offer added functionality such as laser wavelength tunability, polarization selectivity,1 and Q-switching.2 Compared to current techniques which rely on mechanically straining the FBG to achieve Bragg-wavelength tunability, an all-optical technique for tuning an FBG offers potentially faster switching speeds and a more robust and simple cavity. All-optical tuning of the Bragg wavelength of an FBG has been demonstrated previously by resonant optical pumping; however this technique has only been applied to passive systems for switching applications.3 In this work, we have further investigated this optical-tuning process, experimentally identifying three time-scale regimes, and optimised it for application to active systems. Furthermore, we constructed an erbium all-fibre laser cavity consisting of an outputcoupler FBG and an optically-tunable, high-reflector FBG. The cavity pumping and the optical tuning of the FBG were kept independent. By repetitively tuning the high-reflector FBG on- and off-resonance with the output-coupler FBG, we actively Q-switched the erbium fibre laser at repetition rates up to 35 kHz, limited only by our diode driver. We show that grating tuning at >300 kHz is possible with the existing embodiment, and discuss further potential to operate at MHz rates.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFiber Lasers VII: Technology, Systems, and Applications
EditorsKanishka Tankala, Jay W. Dawson
Place of PublicationWashington, DC
PublisherSPIE
Pages1-8
Number of pages8
Volume7580
ISBN (Print)9780819479761
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventFiber Lasers VII: Technology, Systems, and Applications - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: 25 Jan 201028 Jan 2010

Other

OtherFiber Lasers VII: Technology, Systems, and Applications
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period25/01/1028/01/10

Bibliographical note

Copyright 2010 Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optically switched erbium fiber laser using a tunable fiber-Bragg grating'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this