Abstract

As a possible source for the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, multi-wave length lasers are being studied extensively in recent years. Several methods have been proposed and successfully demonstrated in operating Erbium-doped fiber lasers in a multi-wavelength regime, such as using liquid nitrogen cooling¹ or frequency shifted feedback.² These methods are required for a stable multi-wavelength operation because of its relatively broad homogeneous line width and subsequent gain competition. For the simple multi-wavelength lasing in a room temperature, an alternative approach has been investigated using the inhomogeneous broadening characteristic of Raman fiber laser. Recently, a Raman fiber ring laser with a Fabry-Perot etalon was demonstrated, but had a restriction on individual tuning of channel.³

© 2002 Optical Society of America