Mode-locked erbium fibre laser using all-optical nonlinear loop modulator

The mode-locked operation of a diode-pumped erbium-doped fibre laser incorporating an all-optical nonlinear fibre loop modulator is described. Pulse durations of 8-10 ps have been generated at a repetition rate of 840 MHz with average (peak) powers of 5 mW (0.64 W). >