Open AccessPassively Q-switched Er^3+-doped fiber lasers using colloidal PbS quantum dot saturable absorber
Author(s) -
Yin-Wen Lee,
ChienMing Chen,
C. C. Huang,
Shih-Ken Chen,
Jhang-Rong Jiang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.010675
Subject(s) - saturable absorption , materials science , fiber laser , laser , optics , quantum dot , optoelectronics , q switching , absorption (acoustics) , doping , fiber , wavelength , physics , composite material
We report on the demonstration of a passively Q-switched 1.55 µm fiber laser utilizing a colloidal PbS quantum dot (QD) thin film as a saturable absorber. Colloidal PbS QD films have several features that are advantageous in passively Q-switched fiber laser operation, including a large operation wavelength range, cost-effectiveness, and a low saturable absorption intensity. We conducted thorough material and optical studies to verify the advantages of PbS QDs in Q-switched laser operation and successfully generated 801 nJ pulses with a 24.2 kHz repetition rate. To the best of our knowledge, the developed Q-switched fiber laser is the first based on colloidal PbS QDs.