An analytical model for analyzing multi-channel intracavity spectroscopy technology (ICST) is established based on rate equations of Er-doped fiber laser. With the consideration of the amplified spontaneous emission, how the mode competition influences the iterative process for a stable output is analyzed. From the perspective of iterative times, the sensitivity-enhanced mechanism of the ICST is explained. Moreover, the theoretical modeling is employed to analyze the role that the mode-competition effect plays in switching the sensing channel automatically. It is demonstrated that, owing to the mode-competition effect in the laser cavity, the modulation of the cavity loss can be used to tune the sensing channel automatically. Furthermore, our proposed theoretical modeling is verified using a multi-channel ICST sensing system. It is indicated that the calculated estimates agree well with those data from the experimental absorption spectra. The principle will play a significant role in realizing the multiplexing of ICST.
Keywords: intracavity spectroscopy technology; laser excitation; multiplexing technology; numerical simulation; optical fiber laser.