Graphene/MoS2 heterostructure: a robust mid-infrared optical modulator for Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser

We have prepared the graphene/MoS2 heterostructure by a hydrothermal method, and presented its nonlinear absorption parameters and application as a nonlinear optical modulator in the mid-infrared region. Using the nonlinear optical modulator, stable passively Q-switched operation of an Er3+-doped ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN) fiber laser at similar to 2.8 mu m can be obtained. The Q-switched Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser can yield per-pulse energy up to 2.2 mu J with the corresponding pulse width and pulse repetition rate of 1.9 mu s and 45 kHz, respectively. Our results indicate that the graphene/MoS2 heterostructure can be a robust optical modulator for pulsed lasers in the mid-infrared spectral range.