Passive mode-locking of a fiber laser using a graphene oxide-based saturable absorber based on cladding-etched optical fiber

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a fiberized saturable absorber using a cladding-etched optical fiber as a platform. A wet etching technique based on a mixed solution of NH4F and (NH4)2SO4, which is not toxic, is used. Using a graphene oxide (GO)-deposited cladding-etched fiber into an erbium fiber ring cavity, it is shown that femtosecond pulses can readily be produced.