Abstract

Single-polarization fiber lasers (SPFLs) are needed for numerous polarization-sensitive applications, including external modulation, fiber optic gyros, and interferometric sensors. Highly birefringent¹ and single-polarization Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) have been demonstrated; however, both designs require rather exotic non-commercial fiber which is difficult to fabricate and expensive. Here we present several high-efficiency SPFL configurations that can utilize dual-polarization fiber with gain; the design is independent of both inherent and varying birefringence. The importance of output coupling ratio to output power, signal to amplified spontaneous emission (SNR), and tuning range is examined.

© 1994 Optical Society of America