High-energy dissipative soliton resonance at 2.8 µm: theoretical demonstration and optimization in an Er³⁺:ZBLAN mode-locked fiber laser

Mid-infrared mode-locked fiber lasers offer a more compact and stable platform for generating ultrashort pulses. However, achieving higher pulse energy in 2.8 µm mid-infrared fiber lasers remains challenging due to pulse splitting effects induced by strong nonlinearity at high pump powers. Exploring novel soliton dynamics capable of suppressing pulse splitting and enhancing energy scalability is, therefore, highly significant. The dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) mechanism, which enables continuous pulse energy and duration tuning while maintaining constant peak power, has been extensively investigated in rare-earth-doped fiber lasers operating in the near-infrared. However, its implementation in mid-infrared systems has not yet been reported. In this study, we systematically investigate the generation mechanism of DSR pulses in a 2.8 µm mode-locked Er³⁺:ZBLAN fiber laser. By precisely tuning the output coupling ratio, pump power, and nonlinear polarization rotation parameters, we present the first theoretical demonstration of DSR operation in a mid-infrared fiber laser, generating record-breaking 120.54 nJ DSR pulses. This work provides a new pathway for high-energy pulse generation in the mid-infrared regime and extends the applicability of DSR dynamics to longer wavelength regions.