ULTRASHORT-PULSE SOURCES BASED ON SINGLE-MODE RARE-EARTH-DOPED FIBERS

An overview of ultrashort-pulse sources based on single-mode rare-eart h-doped fibers is given. A wide range of pulse-generation schemes comp rising mode-locked fiber lasers, parametric pulse sources and hybrid d iode-fiber amplifier sources are discussed. Both actively and passivel y mode-locked fiber lasers are described and their specific merits and operation regimes are elucidated. Techniques for improving the spectr al quality and the output powers of diode-based systems based on ampli fication in rare-earth-doped fibers are also reviewed. Finally, applic ations are discussed and directions for future research are indicated.