The Applications of Random Fiber Lasers in Optical Fiber Communication and Sensing Systems: A Review

Different from traditional cavity-based fiber lasers, well-defined resonant cavities are replaced by random feedback mechanisms for lasing generation in random fiber lasers (RFLs). Ever since the first demonstration in 2007, RFLs with unique advantages, such as structural simplicity, high efficiency, good wavelength flexibility, and high stability have attracted plenty of attention. Due to their superior properties, RFLs have been widely used to improve system performances of optical fiber communication (OFC) and optical fiber sensing (OFS). In this article, we conducted an overview of the applications of RFLs in OFC and OFS. We initially describe the basic operation principles and the typical properties of the RFLs. Then, the scenarios of the RFLs in the OFC systems are discussed, including random fiber lasing amplification (RFLA) techniques for extending signal transmission distance in long-haul OFC and OFS systems, static and dynamic point sensing based on RFLs, and RFL-based novel light sources for OFC and OFS applications.