Real-Time Observations on Vector Soliton Pair Formation in a Self-Mode-Locked Tm-Doped Fibre Laser

For a long time, noise organisation into various localised wave structures during the initiation of laser generation was not possible through empirical observation. However, with the invention of time-stretch dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy (DFT) [1], a wide variety of both stable periodic and non-repetitive waves have been detected. While this technique has been well-developed at near-IR and particularly telecommunication wavelength windows, its realisation outside these wavelength bands remains largely unexplored [2]. This work elucidates the build-up, interaction, and breathing dynamics of vector solitons in the birefringent cavity of a self-mode-locked Thulium-doped fibre laser.