Laser diodes with distributed feedback for application as subnanosecond fiber laser seeder

We report on high power wavelength stabilized single-mode lasers operating at ~1060 nm. Due to their capability of fast gain switching (<1 ns) and internal wavelength stabilization, distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are attractive for utilization as an ultrafast seeder for MOPA fiber laser systems. We successfully developed narrow band single mode DFB laser emitting at the wavelength of ~1060 nm and providing >1.5W of peak power in pulse mode. Time response of the DFB lasers was analyzed using both small and large signal modulation techniques. Furthermore, we present the results of integration of DFB lasers into subnanosecond fiber laser system. We obtained spectrally narrow (~50 pm) optical pulses as short as 170 ps with peak power of ~7 kW.