Self-mode-locking effects in heavily doped single-clad Tm 3+ -doped silica fibre lasers.

Self-mode-locking in single-clad Tm-doped silica fibre lasers operating at 1.92?µm is reported with 100% modulated mode-locked pulses observed for longer fibre lengths up to 6?m. The self-mode-locking was accompanied by self Q-switching. A mode-locked pulse duration of 191?ps has been measured using an autocorrelator based on a two-photon absorption detector for operation at 2?µm assembled for the purpose of this experiment. The experimental pulse train characteristics are found to be consistent with mode-locking theoretical analysis. The origin and properties of self-mode-locking in heavily Tm-doped fibre lasers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]