Wide wavelength-switched optical-pulse generation in an L-band mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser

A simple actively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber-ring laser operating in the L-band for the generation of wavelength-switched picosecond pulses is demonstrated. The conjunction of a polarizer and a polarization controlled introduces wavelength-dependent cavity loss, and wavelength switching is achieved by adjustment of the polarization controller. The output wavelength can be switched in a wide range of about 39.2 nm, from 1568.6 to 1607.8 nm. A high-birefringence loop mirror predefines the wavelengths spaced about 0.8-nm apart. During the wavelength-switching process, the modulation frequency of about 2.5 GHz remains unchanged and the pulse-width is less than 56 ps for each wavelength. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.