Abstract

Abstract We experimentally investigate the nature of pulsating noise-like pulses (NLPs) in a fiber laser based on the nonlinear optical loop mirror. By adjusting the intra-cavity polarization, three types of pulsating NLPs can be obtained in the cavity. By utilizing the dispersive Fourier transformation technique, the real-time evolution dynamics of NLP pulsation have been investigated in detail. Different from the conventional pulsating behavior, the NLPs undergo remarkable and periodical variations in their width with slight changes in pulse peak powers during pulsation process. We speculate that the wavelength-dependent gain saturation is involved in the pulsating NLP evolution. Quasi-periodic energy oscillations are associated with cyclic generation and subsequent walkoff of wavelength-shifted components, resulting in the different pulsating dynamics of NLP. Moreover, during pulsation process, the NLP splitting could happen with the increasing of energy. All these findings will help to complement our understanding of NLP pulsation in a fiber laser.