Topological engineering of mode-locked fibre lasers: NALM/NALM2 technologies

Abstract

The work presents for the first time a comparative study of mode-locked figure-8 laser, in which two independently pumped active media are located either in the same or in different cavity loops. It is shown that the NALM2 configuration (both active media in the same cavity loop) delivers both higher average and peak radiation power. Flexibility of NALM/NALM2 technologies is further demonstrated for implementation of algorithmic electronically driven control over radiation mode-locking regimes. Also discussed are the results of experimental testing of electronic methods relying on NALM/NALM2 technologies for setting desired generation regimes.