Abstract: Ultrafast fiber lasers are indispensable components in the field of ultrafast optics, and their continuous performance advancements are driving the progress of this exciting discipline. Micro/Nanofibers (MNFs) possess unique properties, such as a large fractional evanescent field, flexible and controllable dispersion, and high nonlinearity, making them highly valuable for generating ultrashort pulses. Particularly, in tasks involving mode-locking and dispersion and nonlinearity management, MNFs provide an excellent platform for investigating intriguing nonlinear dynamics and related phenomena, thereby promoting the advancement of ultrafast fiber lasers. In this paper, we present an introduction to the mode evolution and characteristics of MNFs followed by a comprehensive review of recent advances in using MNFs for ultrafast optics applications including evanescent field modulation and control, dispersion and nonlinear management techniques, and nonlinear dynamical phenomenon exploration. Finally, we discuss the potential application prospects of MNFs in the realm of ultrafast optics.

微纳光纤在超快光学领域的研究进展

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