Ultrafast fiber lasers mode-locked by carbon nanotube and graphene saturable absorbers: review and prospects [Invited]
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene-based saturable absorbers (SAs), with broadband operation, low saturation intensity, and simple fabrication and integration with fibers, have been widely used for mode-locking of ultrafast fiber lasers. Since their first demonstrations, CNT/graphene mode-locked fiber lasers have been reported intensively, spanning wide wavelength ranges, diverse configurations, and different operation regimes. This review systematically summarizes the evolution of CNT/graphene SAs, their fabrication and fiber-integration approaches, and the major milestones achieved in ultrafast fiber laser development, as well as recent new achievements. Finally, we discuss current challenges and prospect future chances for CNT/graphene SAs.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies
Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research
Photonic Crystal and Fiber Optics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Optical Materials Express
- Publisher
- Optica Publishing Group
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 375–375
- Publication date
- 21 January 2026
- Language
- EN