Stable gain-switched thulium fiber laser with 140 nm tuning range

TL;DR

This paper presents a gain-switched thulium fiber laser with a record 140 nm tuning range, offering stable nanosecond pulses suitable for various infrared applications.

Contribution

It introduces the broadest tuning range for a gain-switched fiber laser while maintaining stable pulse operation, enhancing versatility for practical applications.

Findings

Achieved 140 nm continuous tuning range

Maintained stable nanosecond single-pulse operation

Suitable for spectroscopy, sensing, and material processing

Abstract

We demonstrate a gain-switched thulium fiber laser that can be continuously tuned over 140 nm, while maintaining stable nanosecond single-pulse operation. To the best of our knowledge, this system represents the broadest tuning range for a gain-switched fiber laser. The system simplicity and wideband wavelength tunability combined with the ability to control the temporal characteristics of the gain-switched pulses mean this is a versatile source highly suited to a wide range of applications in the eye-safe region of the infrared, including spectroscopy, sensing and material processing, as well as being a practical seed source for pumping nonlinear processes.