Wavelength-versatile subpicosecond pulsed lasers using Raman gain in figure-of-eight fiber geometries

A family of compact pulsed fiber lasers is described that employs broadband, wavelength-flexible Raman scattering in passively mode-locked figure-of-eight fiber laser geometries. Specifically, sources at 1.57, 1.33, and 1.41 mu m with respective soliton durations of 440, 500, and 860 fs are reported. Operation is possible at other wavelengths with a suitable pump source, gain fiber, and components. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America