Dual transmission filters for enhanced energy in mode-locked fiber lasers

Abstract

We theoretically demonstrate that in a laser cavity mode-locked by a set of waveplates and passive polarizer, the energy performance can be increased by incorporating a second set of waveplates and polarizer in the cavity. The two nonlinear transmission functions acting in combination can be engineered so as to suppress the multi-pulsing instability responsible for limiting the single pulse per round trip energy in a myriad of mode-locked cavities. In a single parameter sweep, the energy is demonstrated to double. It is anticipated that further engineering and optimization of the transmission functions by tuning the eight waveplates, fiber birefringence, two polarizers and two lengths of transmission fiber can lead to further significant increases. Moreover, the analysis suggests a general design and engineering principle that can potentially realize the goal of making fiber based lasers directly competitive with solid state devices. The technique is feasible and easy to implement without requiring a new cavity design paradigm.