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Ytterbium gain band self-induced modulation instability laser
R E Kennedy1, S V Popov, J R Taylor
1Femtosecond Optics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, UK. richard.kennedy@imperial.ac.uk
Optics Letters
|January 31, 2006
Summary
We developed a novel ytterbium laser using self-induced modulation instability. This fiber laser generates a 40 GHz pulse train with 4 picosecond pulses at 1064 nm, ideal for nonlinear optics.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Fiber Optics
Background:
- Mode-locked fiber lasers are crucial for generating ultrashort pulses.
- Nonlinear optical phenomena, such as modulation instability, offer pathways to novel laser dynamics.
- Ytterbium-doped fiber lasers provide gain in the 1-micron spectral region, suitable for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a new ytterbium gain band laser.
- To utilize self-induced modulation instability for ultrashort pulse generation.
- To create a compact, all-fiber integrated light source.
Main Methods:
- Employing a highly nonlinear holey fiber to engineer anomalous dispersion.
- Utilizing ytterbium gain to achieve lasing at 1064 nm.
- Operating the laser in a regime that supports bright soliton formation via modulation instability.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated an ytterbium gain band laser.
- Achieved self-induced modulation instability leading to bright soliton generation.
- Generated a 40 GHz pulse train with pulse durations of 4 picoseconds.
- Operated at a wavelength of 1064 nm.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser is a robust, all-fiber integrated source.
- Self-induced modulation instability in nonlinear fiber is an effective method for generating high-repetition-rate ultrashort pulses.
- The laser's performance makes it suitable for applications requiring high-power, picosecond pulses at 1 micron.