A triple function linear fiber laser with passive mode-locking and continuous-wave single-wavelength and multiwavelength lasing

We propose a fiber laser that can operate with passive mode-locking pulse output, continuous single-wavelength emission, and continuous multiwavelength emission. It consists of a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) in a linear cavity. The NOLM is used to induce different kinds of intensity-dependent feedback, which determine the operation mode of the laser. We have experimentally demonstrated that the fiber laser can easily be switched between the operation modes. The results may find useful applications in optical communication and fiber sensing.