A Tunable Er3+-Doped Fiber Laser by Use of an Integrated Optics Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

Wavelength tunability of an Er³⁺-doped fiber laser is reported by the use of an integrated optics Mach-Zehnder interferometer driven electro-optically. A pump laser threshold of 5 mW and a continuous tunable band from 1530 nm to 1554 nm are achieved with a drive voltage varying between 0 to +7 volts. An evaluation of the design and improvements are given based on the experimental and theoretical analysis.