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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:17
20 mJ, 1 ps Yb:YAG Thin-disk Regenerative Amplifier
Published on: July 12, 2017
Nd:YLF mode-locked oscillator and regenerative amplifier
Optics Letters
|September 10, 2009
Summary
This study generated ultrashort laser pulses using a neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd:YLF) system, achieving 37-picosecond pulses at 2.5 millijoules. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) produced longer, lower-energy pulses.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Mode-locked lasers are crucial for generating ultrashort pulses.
- Neodymium-doped gain media (Nd:YLF and Nd:YAG) are widely used in laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of Nd:YLF and Nd:YAG gain media in a regenerative amplifier system for generating ultrashort laser pulses.
- To optimize pulse duration and energy output.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a continuous-wave (cw) actively mode-locked Nd:YLF oscillator to generate initial pulses.
- Employed a cw-pumped Nd:YLF regenerative amplifier for pulse amplification.
- Compared results with a similar system using Nd:YAG gain media.
Main Results:
- Achieved 37-picosecond (psec) duration pulses with 2.5 millijoules (mJ) energy using Nd:YLF.
- Observed longer pulses (~80 psec) and lower energy (1 mJ) when using Nd:YAG gain media.
- Operated the system at a repetition rate of 500 Hz.
Conclusions:
- Nd:YLF gain media is superior for generating shorter pulses and higher energies in this specific regenerative amplifier configuration.
- The choice of gain medium significantly impacts the characteristics of amplified ultrashort laser pulses.
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