Observation of nearly quantum-limited timing jitter in an all-fiber ring laser

The Haus-Mecozzi theory of timing jitter and amplitude fluctuations of a self-starting additive-pulse mode-locked fiber ring laser operating in the negative group-velocity regime is reviewed. Experimental results confirm the theoretical predictions. The measured timing jitter has two physical origins. One is amplified spontaneous emission (quantum noise). The other is the amplitude fluctuation that is due to the pump source. The jitter is due mainly to the amplified spontaneous emission and is thus quantum limited. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America.