Analysis of the Polarization Influence on the Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser Transient Behavior

Abstract

We studied the erbium-doped fiber laser transient behavior dependence on the pump polarization state or on the cavity polarization eigenvalues. Several series of measurements are shown in which the changes in the transient laser response can be appreciated as the pump polarization state, or the cavity polarization eigenvalues are modified by means of polarization controllers. Results are fitted to a model considering polarization hole burning. It is shown that including this effect is fundamental for a correct erbium-doped fiber laser transient model. On the other hand, the validity of the model's fitting parameters under pump or cavity polarization changes is analyzed.