Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase for generating mode-locked pulses in 1.5 µm wavelength region

This letter demonstrates the application of MAX phase material as saturable absorber (SA) for mode-locking in Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). Here, we use titanium silicon carbide (Ti₃SiC₂) compound to make thin film in polyvinyl alcohol host polymer. The fabricated composite film exhibits a saturable absorption of 51% and it produces mode-locked pulses at 1559 nm in an extended 106 m long EDFL's cavity. The EDFL generates ultrashort pulses with repetition frequency of 1.88 MHz and pulse width of 3.03 ps when the pump is adjusted within 123.7–181.1 mW. At 181.1 mW, the laser achieves the pulse energy of 6.0 nJ and the peak power of 2.0 kW. Overall, the Ti₃SiC₂ SA establishes a compact and straightforward approach for mode-locking.