Theory of cw Raman oscillation in optical fibers

A theory for Raman fiber laser oscillators is presented. The Stokes output and the residual pump power are shown to be calculable from a knowledge of the input pump power and the fiber characteristics. The evolution of the pump and the Stokes waves along the fiber are also obtained. The threshold pump power and the oscillation condition are considered. Pump depletion is incorporated in the analysis and is shown to be the dominant saturation effect present in a Raman fiber laser.