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Mode-locked picosecond pulse generation from an octave-spanning supercontinuum
D Kielpinski1, M G Pullen, J Canning
1Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia. d.kielpinski@griffith.edu.au
Optics Express
|December 10, 2009
Summary
Researchers created stable, high-coherence picosecond laser pulses near 1110 nm using fiber-based supercontinuum slicing. This versatile technique enables tunable ultrashort pulse generation across a wide wavelength range.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation is a key process for broadband light sources.
- Mode-locked fiber lasers are essential for generating ultrashort pulses.
- Spectral slicing offers a method for selecting specific wavelengths from broadband sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate mode-locked picosecond pulses near 1110 nm.
- To demonstrate a fiber-based system for ultrashort pulse synthesis.
- To explore the potential of supercontinuum slicing for tunable wavelength generation.
Main Methods:
- Generating an octave-spanning supercontinuum in a fiber optic system.
- Spectrally slicing the supercontinuum around 1110 nm.
- Re-amplifying the sliced spectrum to produce picosecond pulses.
- Characterizing pulse duration, bandwidth, and interpulse coherence.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated mode-locked picosecond pulses with a central wavelength of 1110 nm.
- Pulses exhibited a duration of 1.7 picoseconds over a 1.2 nm bandwidth.
- Achieved near transform-limited pulses with high interpulse coherence.
- Both supercontinuum generation and pulse synthesis were fully fiber-integrated.
Conclusions:
- Fiber-based spectral slicing and re-amplification is an effective method for synthesizing ultrashort pulses.
- The developed technique is versatile and applicable for pulse generation across the 1000-2000 nm range.
- This approach offers a flexible platform for generating tunable, high-quality picosecond pulses.
