High-resolution spectral analysis of long single-frequency pulses generated by a self-sweeping Yb-doped fiber laser

Continuous wave self-sweeping operation is demonstrated in a classical ring cavity configuration of Yb-doped fiber laser with a saturable absorber, which is usually used to obtain single-frequency lasing. Using heterodyne-based high-resolution spectral analysis we demonstrate that the laser generates a series of long (up to 1 ms) rectangular pulses consisting of single frequency radiation (the linewidth <0.7 MHz). At the same time, the lasing frequency changes between pulses regularly in a stepwise manner by one intermode beating frequency within a self-sweeping range of 100 pm. The effect of cavity configuration on pulse parameters (duration and chirp) is investigated. We also demonstrate that saturable absorbing mirrors design can be used to control the self-sweeping direction and value of the frequency jump. (letter)