Noise-like pulses generated from a passively mode-locked fiber laser with a WS2 saturable absorber on microfiber

We report on a noise-like pulse (NLP) generation in a mode-locked erbium-doped all-fiber laser using a WS2-deposited microfiber saturable absorber (SA). The prepared WS2 SA can serve as an excellent mode-locked and highly nonlinear device in the all-fiber laser cavity. At proper pump power and polarization states, typical NLPs can be generated. Adjusting the polarization also yields special NLPs with second-order harmonic mode-locking. For typical NLPs, 37 mW maximum output power and 8.8 nJ pulse energy are achieved at 334 mW pump power. The microfiber-based WS2 component could be a potential device for exploring nonlinear dynamics, such as NLPs.