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Automation of Mode Locking in a Nonlinear Polarization Rotation Fiber Laser through Output Polarization Measurements
Published on: February 28, 2016
Enhanced mode locking of color-center lasers
Optics Letters
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Mode locking of a KCl:Tl color-center laser was significantly enhanced using optical fiber with positive group-velocity dispersion. This method achieved ~260 fsec pulse durations, a ~60x compression factor.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Nonlinear optics
- Materials science
Background:
- Mode locking is crucial for generating ultrashort laser pulses.
- Color-center lasers and semiconductor diode amplifiers are used for generating laser pulses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the mode locking of a KCl:Tl color-center laser.
- To investigate the use of optical fiber with positive group-velocity dispersion for pulse compression.
- To explore similar methods using semiconductor diode amplifiers.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating a length of optical fiber with positive group-velocity dispersion into an external control cavity.
- Utilizing an InGaAsP semiconductor diode amplifier as a nonlinear element within the control cavity.
Main Results:
- A significant enhancement in mode locking was observed.
- Achieved pulse durations of approximately 260 femtoseconds (fsec).
- Demonstrated a pulse compression factor of approximately 60x compared to the laser alone.
- Observed similar results with a semiconductor diode amplifier.
Conclusions:
- Optical fiber with positive group-velocity dispersion effectively enhances mode locking and pulse compression in KCl:Tl color-center lasers.
- This technique offers a substantial improvement in ultrashort pulse generation.
- The method is also applicable to semiconductor diode amplifiers, broadening its potential use.
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