Harmonically mode-locked Ti:Er:LiNbO(3) waveguide laser

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Laser Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Erbium-doped titanium-indiffused lithium niobate (Er:Ti:LiNbO3) waveguide lasers are crucial for optical communications.
• Achieving high-frequency mode locking is essential for generating ultrashort optical pulses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate active mode locking in an Er:Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide laser.
• To investigate the performance of intracavity phase modulation for high-harmonic mode locking.

Main Methods:

• Utilized intracavity phase modulation to achieve active mode locking.
• Employed a diode-pumped, packaged Er:Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide laser with a monolithically integrated phase modulator.
• Operated the laser at the fourth harmonic (5.12 GHz) of the axial-mode frequency spacing.

Main Results:

• Achieved active mode locking up to the fourth harmonic (5.12 GHz).
• Obtained transform-limited pulses with durations of >=3.8 ps and pulse energy of <=5.6 pJ at 1602 nm.
• Demonstrated a low threshold of 9 mW incident pump power.
• Measured a mode-locking frequency change of 3.65 x 10^-5 /°C with temperature.
• Determined a mode-locking acceptance bandwidth of +/-75 kHz.

Conclusions:

• Successfully demonstrated high-frequency active mode locking in an Er:Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide laser.
• The developed laser system is suitable for generating ultrashort pulses with practical parameters.
• The results indicate potential for applications in high-speed optical signal processing and telecommunications.