A high power pulsed optical source includes a multi-port optical circulator and a seed source coupled to a first port of the multi-port optical circulator. The seed source is adapted to provide amplified spontaneous emission. The high power pulsed optical source also includes a first reflective device coupled to a second port of the multi-port optical circulator and a first double-pass optical amplifier coupled at a first end to a third port of the multi-port optical circulator and coupled at a second end to an amplitude modulator. The high power pulsed optical source also includes a second reflective device coupled to the amplitude modulator and an output port coupled to a fourth port of the multi-port optical circulator.