Recent Advances, Applications, and Perspectives in Erbium-Doped Fiber Combs

Abstract

Optical frequency combs have emerged as a new generation of metrological tools, driving advancements in various fields such as free-space two-way time–frequency transfer, low-noise microwave source generation, and gas molecule detection. Among them, fiber combs based on erbium-doped fiber mode-locked lasers have garnered significant attention due to their numerous advantages, including low noise, high system integration, and cost-effectiveness. In this review, we discuss recent developments in erbium-doped fiber combs and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of constructing fiber combs utilizing different erbium-doped mode-locked fiber lasers. First, we provide a brief introduction to the basic principles of optical frequency combs. Then, we explore erbium-doped fiber combs implemented utilizing various mode-locking techniques, such as nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR), real saturable absorber (SA), and nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM). Finally, we present an outlook on the future perspectives of erbium-doped fiber combs.