Highly stable tunable dual-wavelength Q-switched fiber laser for DIAL applications

We demonstrate a stable dual-wavelength Q-switched fiber laser for applications in differential absorption Lidar with tunability in absolute wavelength over several nanometers and discrete tuning in wavelength spacing from 1.1 to 3.3 nm. Single longitudinal-mode operation is also achieved by employing Sagnac loop saturable absorber filter. The delayed self homodyne linewidth measurement of the dual-wavelength continuous-wave laser shows a very narrow spectral linewidth and frequency jitter (<40 kHz). The advantages of tunable wavelengths, narrow linewidth, temperature insensitivity, and high stability in an efficient, cost effective, rugged, compact and light system make it a promising technology for airborne Lidar systems.