Recent research and advances of material-based saturable absorber in mode-locked fiber laser. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lau, K.Y.; Hou, D.
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 137(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Fiber laser -- Mode-locking -- Saturable absorber; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2020.106826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: Reviewing material synthesis, characterization, and properties. Reviewing pros and cons for structural design of saturable absorber. Reviewing compatibility of saturable absorber material with polymer. Reviewing development of passively mode-locked fiber laser. Reviewing issues and challenges of above reviews with recommendations. Abstract: The incorporation of the material-based saturable absorber (SA) to generate mode-locked fiber laser (MLFL) has been extensively explored and demonstrated. However, the material-based SAs have some challenges in terms of optical damage threshold, design complexity, robustness, and stability due to several factors. Presently, several works have been demonstrated to address material-based SA fabrication issues. Therefore, this paper aims to comprehensively review the pros and cons of material-based SA in terms of material synthesis techniques, material characteristics, material-polymer composite, SA structure, and deposition techniques, along with current issues and challenges, and conclude with concrete recommendations. All the highlighted insights of this review will contribute to the increased efforts toward the development of the material-based SAs for the MLFL.