Abstract : This project resulted in the development of several novel optical fiber lasers designed to generate short pulses for optical communication networks and for optical signal processing. The concept of using asynchronous modulation for stable soliton generation was developed and extended successfully to optical memory loops. Laser designs for reduced sensitivity to environmental perturbations were investigated and important properties of dispersion management revealed. A compact geometry was demonstrated using a doped, planar waveguide amplifier and the shortest soliton pulses to-date, from a fiber source were achieved.