Multiwavelength comb generation in self-starting passively mode-locked fiber laser

Multiwavelength comb generation in an all-fiber self-starting passively mode-locked figure-eight erbium-doped fiber laser is experimentally demonstrated. The nonlinear optical-loop mirror (NOLM) consisting of a symmetrical optical coupler and a length of single-mode fiber can act as the mode-locking element through nonlinear polarization rotation. The linear ring with a section of polarization-maintenance fiber and a polarization-dependent isolator can implement linear filtering. Such a self-starting passively, mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser can generate pulses with multiwavelength comb, which is characteristic of all-fiber and simple configuration. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.