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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy
Published on: November 22, 2019
Summary
We developed a tunable, all-solid-state laser using a diode laser pump, achieving ultrashort pulses. This self-mode-locked Cr:LiSAF laser offers high performance for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Solid-state optics
- Ultrafast optics
Background:
- Diode-pumped lasers offer compact and efficient solutions for various scientific applications.
- Achieving ultrashort pulse durations requires precise control over laser cavity dynamics.
- Cr:LiSAF (chromium-doped lithium strontium aluminum fluoride) is a promising gain medium for tunable lasers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an all-solid-state tunable self-mode-locked laser.
- To achieve ultrashort pulse generation using a diode laser pump.
- To outline design considerations for low-threshold diode-pumped lasers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single 250-mW laser diode for pumping.
- Implemented a regeneratively driven acousto-optic modulator for self-mode-locking initiation.
- Incorporated a hard aperture (adjustable slit) within the laser cavity.
Main Results:
- Generated almost-bandwidth-limited pulses with a duration of 97 femtoseconds (fs).
- Achieved self-mode-locking using a diode pump source.
- Demonstrated a tunable, all-solid-state laser system.
Conclusions:
- The developed Cr:LiSAF laser system provides a compact and efficient source of ultrashort pulses.
- The design principles are applicable to developing other low-threshold self-mode-locked diode-pumped lasers.
- This technology has potential applications in spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, and optical communications.
