High-power flat L-band erbium-doped fiber ASE source using dual forward-pumping scheme

We experimentally investigate a high output power L-band (1565–1605 nm) erbium-doped fiber amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source using dual forward-pumping configuration. Such configuration allows high pumping-power operation and enhances the pumping efficiency. The high pumping efficiency of 36.1% is achieved for such ASE source with a mirror reflectance of 30%. The output power of about 72.2 mW and a linewidth of 40.8 nm with a power ripple of 0.7 dB are obtained without using any external spectral filters.