Graphene/MoS2 heterostructure: a robust mid-infrared optical modulator for Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser

We have prepared the graphene/MoS 2 heterostructure by a hydrothermal method, and presented its nonlinear absorption parameters and application as a nonlinear optical modulator in the mid-infrared region. Using the nonlinear optical modulator, stable passively Q-switched operation of an Er 3+-doped ZrF 4-BaF 2-LaF 3-AlF 3-NaF (ZBLAN) fiber laser at ∼2.8   μ m can be obtained. The Q-switched Er 3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser can yield per-pulse energy up to 2.2 μJ with the corresponding pulse width and pulse repetition rate of 1.9 μs and 45 kHz, respectively. Our results indicate that the graphene/MoS 2 heterostructure can be a robust optical modulator for pulsed lasers in the mid-infrared spectral range.