Smooth Pulse Generation by a Q-Switched Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser

A Q-switched Erbium-doped fiber laser with symmetric cavity design is thoroughly investigated. It is shown theoretically and verified experimentally that such a laser is capable of generating stable giant pulses with smooth temporal shape and maximized peak power ( ~ 40 W) and minimized duration ( ~ 30 ns), as compared with an analogous laser having conventional asymmetric cavity. The principle that stands behind this performance is also discussed.