Noise-like pulse generation in 1.95 µm region using bulk α-alumina saturable absorber

•Bulk α-alumina decorated tapered fiber with 4.08% modulation depth is fabricated.•Bulk α-alumina in polymer matrix increases the ruggedness of fragile tapered fiber.•A broad laser of 45 nm spectral bandwidth is generated at 1.95 μm wavelength.•High pulse energy of 2.46 nJ in all-fiberized thulium doped fiber laser cavity.•First demonstration of NLP from a-alumina material in net anomalous dispersion.