Polarization-resolved analysis of the characteristics of a Raman laser made with a polarization maintaining fiber

We derive a simple model describing steady characteristics of Raman fiber lasers made with polarization maintaining fibers. We show both theoretically and experimentally that this kind of laser simply consists of two independent Raman lasers linearly polarized along the fiber birefringence axes. The output power characteristics of the laser are shown not to be influenced by optical Kerr effect. Finally, we use our model to propose answers to questions recently raised about efficiency of Raman lasers made with polarization maintaining fibers.