Spectral broadening in Raman fiber lasers

We present an analytical theory based on wave kinetic equations that describes a Raman fiber laser (RFL) generation spectrum. It is shown both theoretically and experimentally that the quasi-degenerate four-wave mixing between different longitudinal modes is the main broadening mechanism in the one-stage RFL at high powers. The shape and power dependence of the intracavity Stokes wave spectrum are in excellent quantitative agreement with predictions of the theory.