Generation of non-uniform pulses by an eight microstructured optical fiber laser

Mode locking mechanisms in fiber laser have been an active and rich research field in optical communication. In this paper we study the behaviour of an 8FL (eight fiber laser) totally made out of MOF (Microstructured Optical Fiber). We demonstrate that even output from a fiber laser is not necessarily uniform. Due to its ring cavity and NALM (Non linear Amplifying Loop Mirror) transmission properties, the laser generates randomly different non-uniform output pulses. It follows three states of operation: single, bound and multiple pulses were observed. We report the formation of bound pulses where side peaks are higher than the central one. We report also the formation of bound and multiple pulses which damage their bindings and alter their pulses width and separations. Copyright © 2011 De Gruyter.