GHz fundamental mode-locking of a highly integrated Er-doped all-fiber ring laser

High repetition rate ultrafast fiber lasers are essential for both scientific research and industrial applications. Here, we report the first, to the best of our knowledge, all-fiber ring laser with a fundamental repetition rate exceeding 1 GHz, by integrating all necessary functions into one single device with commercial active fiber pigtails. Low-threshold self-starting mode-locking is achieved by using a carbon nanotube (CNT) saturable absorber that directly deposits on the Er-doped fiber connector. The laser operates at 1562 nm, delivering 682 fs pulses with 1.028 GHz fundamental repetition rate with good stability, low intensity/phase noise, and high signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed compact source is promising for high repetition rate applications and provides a reference for fiber lasers with different mode-locking mechanisms or in various wavelength ranges. We also provide in-depth discussions on the key challenges and future directions for fiber lasers mode-locking at GHz rates using real saturable absorbers.