Saturable Absorption in Erbium-doped Fiber and Optical Bistability in Erbium-doped Fiber Ring Laser

Saturable absorption in erbium-doped fiber is presented through absorption measurements using a tunable laser and variable power. Its consequent optical bistability is also observed in erbium-doped fiber ring laser with long lengths of the fiber. Higher absorption at shorter wavelengths enables a wider bistable range.