Frequency modulation of Er-doped fiber lasers using a piezo-mounted fiber grating: prospect for distributed leak monitoring

Piezo-mounted fiber-grating output coupler is proposed as a tuning element in an Er 3+ -doped fiber laser. Tuning range in excess of 2 nm has been obtained in the vicinity of 1.57 micrometers . Such a tuning element is both compatible with wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and fiber laser intra-cavity spectroscopy (FLICS). CO leak detection was demonstrated using both geometries. (Delta) (alpha) of 9 X 10 -4 were measured with WMS while FLICS did not lead to the expected increase of sensitivity.