Polarization-dependent pulse dynamics of mode-locked fiber laser with near-zero net dispersion

Abstract

We demonstrate novel polarization-dependent pulse dynamics in a fiber laser cavity mode-locked by single-wall carbon nanotubes. By managing the net dispersion and polarization state, we obtain two noise-like pulsing procedures with distinctive polarization characteristics. Ultrafast polarization measurements reveal double pulses are produced by the combined effects of double-scroll chaotic polarization attractors and the polarization mode dispersion of single-mode fiber. The corresponding single-shot spectra provide evidence of coherent energy coupling between pulses during the switching process, due to the polarization hole burning of the active medium. The relative results provide new information for the polarization control of ultrafast lasers.