Simultaneous multiwavelength generation from a mode-locked all-solid-state Cr:forsterite laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Mode-locked lasers are crucial for generating ultrashort pulses.
• Cr:forsterite lasers offer unique wavelength tunability in the near-infrared.
• Generating multiple, phase-locked channels from a single oscillator presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel multiple-channel, mode-locked, all-solid-state Cr:forsterite laser.
• To achieve phase-locked operation across multiple laser channels.
• To investigate the tunability of pulse width within individual channels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Cr:forsterite laser gain medium in an all-solid-state configuration.
• Incorporated an etalon within the laser cavity to enable multi-channel operation.
• Adjusted the etalon bandwidth to control pulse characteristics.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated 12 phase-locked channels near 1230 nm.
• Achieved pulse widths ranging from 9-19 picoseconds (ps) across the channels.
• Demonstrated the capability to shorten the pulse width in a specific channel to 1.8 ps.
• Obtained an average output power of 280 mW from the single laser oscillator.

Conclusions:

• The developed Cr:forsterite laser system effectively produces multiple, phase-locked output channels.
• The etalon insertion provides a versatile method for controlling channel generation and pulse characteristics.
• This technology holds potential for applications requiring multiple synchronized ultrashort pulses.