Duration-controllable mid-infrared pulse from bias-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser

We experimentally demonstrate the generation of duration-controllable pulses at 2.8 µm based on bias-pump technique for the first time. Bias-pumped by a 976 nm continuous-wave (CW)-pulsed combined laser, duration-controllable pulses are produced from an Er:ZBLAN fiber laser and the duration is entirely determined by the duration of pump pulse. Numerical simulations agree with experimental results well, and further predict that the temporal profile of output pulse from bias-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser can also be identical with that of pump pulse under certain conditions. The pump-controlled mid-infrared pulse may have more applications in various areas due to its manageable temporal characteristics.