title: Characterization of nonlinear saturation and mode-locking potential of ionically-doped colored glass filter for short-pulse fiber lasers.
abstract: The nonlinear saturable absorption of an ionically-doped colored glass filter is measured directly using a Z-scan technique. For the first time, we demonstrate the potential of this material as a saturable asborber in fiber lasers. We achieve mode-locking of an ytterbium doped system. Mode-locking of cavities with all-positive and net-negative group velocity dispersion are demonstrated, achieving pulse durations of 60 ps and 4.1 ps, respectively. This inexpensive and optically robust material, with the potential for broadband operation, could surplant other saturable absorber devices in affordable mode-locked fiber lasers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Prince Consort Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: E J R
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kelleher
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Popov
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D003124:Colorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D007477:Ions; D007834:Lasers; D007909:Lenses; D008422:Materials Testing; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics
chemical_list: D007477:Ions