Dependence of ion-pair induced self-pulsing in Er-doped fiber lasers on emission to absorption ratio

We show theoretically that the ion-pair induced self-pulsing in Er-doped fiber lasers depends largely on the ratio of emission to absorption cross sections, and can be significantly suppressed as this ratio is increased. Our experimental results agree qualitatively with this prediction. This result is important for stabilizing Er-doped fiber lasers where short-cavities and high-gain fibers are required.