In-fiber microchannel device filled with a carbon nanotube dispersion for passive mode-lock lasing

Fueled by their high third-order nonlinearity and nonlinear saturable absorption, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are expected to become an integral part of next-generation photonic devices such as all-optical switches and passive mode-locked lasers. However, in order to fulfill this expectation it is necessary to identify a suitable platform that allows the efficient use of the optical properties of CNT. In this paper, we propose and implement a novel device consisting of an optofluidic device filled with a dispersion of CNT. By fabricating a microchannel through the core of a conventional fiber and filling it with a homogeneous solution of CNTs on Dimethylformamide (DMF), a compact, all-fiber saturable absorber is realized. The fabrication of the micro-fluidic channel is a two-step process that involves femtosecond laser micro-fabrication and chemical etching of the laser-modified regions. All-fiber high-energy, passive mode-locked lasing is demonstrated with an output power of 13.5 dBm. The key characteristics of the device are compactness and robustness against optical, mechanical and thermal damage.

Nanotube-polymer composites for ultrafast photonics

Polymer composites are one of the most attractive near-term means to exploit the unique properties of carbon nanotubes and graphene. This is particularly true for composites aimed at electronics and photonics, where a number of promising applications have already been demonstrated. One such example is nanotube-based saturable absorbers. These can be used as all-optical switches, optical amplifier noise suppressors, or mode-lockers to generate ultrashort laser pulses. Here, we review various aspects of fabrication, characterization, device implementation and operation of nanotube-polymer composites to be used in photonic applications. We also summarize recent results on graphene-based saturable absorbers for ultrafast lasers.

Concatenated all-optical loop mirror switches

Synthesis of a sharp switching characteristic is experimentally demonstrated by concatenation of nonlinear optical loop mirrors. A novel configuration has been used which results in three terminal operation of the device. This device can be used as a logic gate and for pulse shaping to produce square pulses.

Concatenated all-optical loop mirror switches

Synthesis of a sharp switching characteristic is experimentally demonstrated by concatenation of nonlinear optical loop mirrors. A novel configuration has been used which results in three terminal operation of the device. This device can be used as a logic gate and for pulse shaping to produce square pulses. © 1993 Taylor and Francis Ltd.

Experimental observation of autosoliton propagation in a dispersion-managed system guided by nonlinear optical loop mirrors

Observation of autosoliton propagation in a dispersion-managed optical transmission system controlled by in-line nonlinear fiber loop switches is reported for what is believed to be the first time. The system is based on a strong dispersion map with large amplifier spacing. Operation at transmission rates of 10 and 40 Gbits/s is demonstrated. ©2004 Optical Society of America.

Autosoliton propagation at 80Gbit/s in standard fibre using in-line nonlinear loop switches

Experimental observation of autosoliton propagation in a nonlinear switch-guided, dispersion-managed system operating at 80Gbit/s is reported for the first time. The system is based on a strong dispersion map and supports autosoliton propagation over 3,000km.