A nonuniform-polarization high-energy ultra-broadband laser with a long erbium-doped fiber

We have experimentally investigated nonuniformly polarized broadband high-energy pulses delivered from a mode-locked laser with an ultra-long erbium-doped fiber (EDF). The pulses exhibit a broadband spectrum of ∼73 nm and can avoid optical wave breaking at high-pump regimes. The polarization states of the pulses evolve from uniform to nonuniform at each round trip in the oscillator, which is distinct from other pulses. Remarkably, the output pulses broaden in anomalous- or normal-dispersion regimes while they can be shortened with an EDF amplifier external to the cavity. Our results suggest that the long EDF results in a nonuniform-polarization state and plays a decisive role in the formation of high-energy pulses. (paper)