Nonlinear effects-based 1.7 μm fiber lasers: A review and prospect

Abstract

The nonlinear effects in the fiber lasers have always been explored and studied as people are pursuing higher quality fiber lasers in different wavelengths for profound applications. In recent years, 1.7 μm band fiber lasers have received the tremendous attention due to their unique spectral properties in biological imaging, organic gases detection, material processing and other fields. In this paper, the research progress of nonlinear effects-based 1.7 μm fiber lasers is thoroughly reviewed. Meanwhile, the four nonlinear effects applied in 1.7 μm fiber lasers included stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), super-continuum (SC), four-wave mixing (FWM), soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) are introduced, as well as the principle, characteristics and advantages of each method. In addition, the latest researches on the 1.7 μm fiber lasers based on the hybrid gain are summarized in detail. Finally, the conclusion included the obstacles and adversities is given and the future development tendency of nonlinear effects-based 1.7 μm fiber lasers is prospected.