The Dynamics of Multi-Peak Pulsed Generation in a Q-Switched Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser

We demonstrate a detailed theoretical and experimental study of a thulium-doped fiber laser being Q-switched by means of an acousto-optic modulator. The processes leading to the generation of discontinuous multi-peak pulses with an energy of up to 5 mu J and a nanosecond structure are described. The dynamics of the multi-peak structure's evolution is demonstrated and a method of switching to a single-pulse mode is proposed.