Production of ultrashort pulses in fiber lasers

The review is focused on finding an answer to the question of what is the minimum pulse duration of radiation possible in an “all-PM-fiber” cavity configuration of a fiber laser (including a fiber compressor if it is in use), not using short-lived or quickly failing components. Such configurations of fiber lasers are in highest demand since all the advantages that set apart fiber lasers are realized in them. Fiber-volume configurations and those very similar to the desired ones, but not meeting all the requirements, are analyzed. It is concluded that in the desired configuration of a fiber laser, the generation of picosecond pulses and longer is possible. Examples of resonator layouts for such lasers are given.