Multiple Dissipative Solitons in an Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser Mode-Locked with Ethylene Glycol

We report the experimental observation of dissipative solitons (DS) in an erbium-doped fiber laser mode locked with ethylene glycol. Stable individual dissipative solitons with nanosecond pulse duration are obtained. The spectral profiles exhibit dynamic variation, adopting either a parabolic-like or an M-like shape at varying pump levels. Moreover, through increasing the pump power and/or appropriately regulating the polarization controller, multiple dissipative solitons, including soliton pairs and soliton triplet states have also been achieved. The generation mechanism is attributed to the phenomenon of peak clamping effect. This is the first demonstration of a dissipative soliton laser utilizing ethylene glycol as a saturable absorber. It is anticipated that this demonstration will spur further attention on organic liquid SAs and potentially extend significant influence for the application of ultrafast lasers.