All-fiber passively Q-switched ytterbium laser

In this paper, we propose an all-fiber and simultaneously low-cost solution, where a double-clad Yb-doped fiber laser employing Sm-doped fiber as a saturable absorber results in passive Q-switch operation, and in association with a 6 W-diode pumping allows generation of gigantic pulses with 30 W/2.5 W-peak/average power contrast and excellent pulse-to pulse stability.