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Broadband dispersion-free optical cavities based on zero group delay dispersion mirror sets
Li-Jin Chen1, Guoqing Chang, Chih-Hao Li
1Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. lijinc@mit.edu
Optics Express
|December 18, 2010
Summary
A novel optical cavity achieves broadband dispersion-free operation using specialized mirrors. This zero group delay dispersion (zero-GDD) mirror set offers enhanced bandwidth compared to traditional mirrors.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Optical cavities are fundamental in laser systems and optical experiments.
- Minimizing or eliminating group delay dispersion (GDD) is crucial for broadband applications.
- Traditional low GDD mirrors have limitations in bandwidth and dispersion control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a broadband dispersion-free optical cavity.
- To realize a two-mirror cavity utilizing zero group delay dispersion (zero-GDD) mirrors.
- To achieve high reflectivity over an enhanced bandwidth.
Main Methods:
- Designing and implementing a two-mirror optical cavity.
- Utilizing mirror sets with opposite group delay dispersion (GDD).
- Characterizing mirror reflectivity and dispersion performance over a specific bandwidth.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a dispersion-free optical cavity over a 100 nm bandwidth (480 nm - 580 nm).
- Achieved a mirror reflectivity of 99.2% within the specified bandwidth.
- The zero-GDD mirror set exhibited opposite GDD, canceling dispersion.
Conclusions:
- A broadband dispersion-free optical cavity was successfully demonstrated.
- The developed zero-GDD mirror set provides a significant advancement over traditional low GDD mirrors.
- This technology has potential applications in ultrafast optics and broadband laser systems.
