Ultrashort-pulse sources based on single-mode rare-earth-doped fibers

An overview of ultrashort-pulse sources based on single-mode rare-earth-doped fibers is given. A wide range of pulse-generation schemes comprising mode-locked fiber lasers, parametric pulse sources and hybrid diode-fiber amplifier sources are discussed. Both actively and passively mode-locked fiber lasers are described and their specific merits and operation regimes are elucidated. Techniques for improving the spectral quality and the output powers of diode-based systems based on amplification in rare-earth-doped fibers are also reviewed. Finally, applications are discussed and directions for future research are indicated.