Gain-managed nonlinear amplification of ultra-long mode-locked fiber laser

Abstract

In this study, we explored the gain-managed nonlinear (GMN) amplification of ultra-low repetition rate pulses in the range of less than 1 MHz. By seeding the developed 1040 nm ultralong fiber modelocked laser to the GMN amplifier, we achieved high gain and boosted the nonlinear pulse propagation effects. We demonstrated that GMN amplification of low repetition rate pulses provided amplification exceeding 32 dB and spectral broadening up to 91 nm at relatively low pump power levels. Achieving broadband 57 fs pulses with energy exceeding 55 nJ suggests that ultralong fiber lasers paired with GMN amplifiers can be effectively utilized as powerful tools for generating femtosecond broadband pulses at ultra-low repetition rates, with controllable spectral characteristics.