Review: application of transition metal dichalcogenide in pulsed fiber laser system

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are highly desirable 2-Dimensional (2D) materials that have become the focus of intense investigative efforts over the last decade. The deisrable properties of TMDs arise from the many possible combinations of a transition metal atom with two chalcogen atoms to form the 2D TMD material, thus giving it different electronic and optical properties. In the development of 2D materials for photonics application, TMD materials have been widely used as saturable absorbers (SAs) to induce Q-switching and mode-locking within fiber laser cavities. Many types of TMD materials as well as fabrication methods and the techniques that these materials can be incorporated into pulsed fiber laser systems has been succesfully demonstrated. In this review, the various fabrication and characterazation methods of TMD materials are discussed. Subsequently, the application of these materials as SAs in pulsed fiber lasers is discussed and elaborated, while a performance comparison of Q-switched and mode-locked fiber lasers using TMD materials as SAs is also discussed. Finally, the feasibility and performance of possible future applications of TMDs as SAs is examined. (topical review)