3.46 μm Q-switched Er3+:ZBLAN fiber laser based on a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror

By adopting a InAs based semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM), we have demonstrated a 3.46 mu m passively Q-switched Er3+:ZBLAN fiber laser. An amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) seeded 1973 nm pump source is introduced to enhance the temporal stability. Stable 3.46 mu m Q-switched pulse trains are obtained with a maximum repetition rate of 58.71 kHz and corresponding pulse width of 2.47 mu s. The maximum average output power and single pulse energy are 63 mW and 1.4 mu J, respectively. The pulse characteristics with respect to the two pump powers are also evaluated. The results prove that the commercial SESAMs in stock have the capacity to extend the operation wavelength to the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength region beyond 3.0 mu m.

Automated summary

By utilizing an InAs-based SESAM, a 3.46 μm passively Q-switched Er3+:ZBLAN fiber laser was demonstrated with the introduction of an ASE-seeded 1973 nm pump source for enhanced temporal stability. Stable pulse trains at 3.46 μm were achieved with a maximum repetition rate of 58.71 kHz. The results indicate the potential of commercial SESAMs to extend operation wavelength to beyond 3.0 μm in the mid-infrared region.