Temperature dependent multi-pulse threshold due to SWCNT/PDMS saturable absorber

TL;DR

This study investigates how increasing temperature affects the threshold and stability of modelocking in a fiber laser using a SWCNT/PDMS saturable absorber, revealing significant temperature-induced changes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the temperature dependence of multi-pulse threshold and stability in SWCNT/PDMS saturable absorbers within fiber lasers, highlighting the impact of thermo-optic effects.

Findings

Threshold pump power decreases by 18% from 25°C to 100°C

Multi-pulse operation begins at 24% lower pump power at higher temperatures

Stability range of fundamental modelocking reduces by 59% with temperature increase

Abstract

The threshold pump power for modelocking decreased by 18% when the temperature was increased from 25 to 100 degrees C, where a SWCNT/PDMS coated tapered fiber was used as the saturable absorber in a fiber laser. Further, the pump power at which multi-pulse operation began decreased by 24%, and the pump power range over which fundamental modelocking could be maintained decreased by 59% over the same temperature range. This decrease in stability is attributed to the large thermo-optic coefficient of the PDMS polymer, which results in a 40% reduction of the overlap between the evanescent field and SWCNT coating of the taper fiber over a temperature range of 75 degrees C.