Frontiers in passively mode-locked high-power thin disk laser oscillators

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) are crucial for mode-locked thin disk lasers.
• These lasers represent the current state-of-the-art for high average power and pulse energy femtosecond oscillators.
• Previous demonstrations have achieved pulse energies exceeding 30 µJ and average powers over 140 W.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the performance achievements of SESAM mode-locked thin disk lasers regarding average power and pulse energy.
• To discuss the critical requirement of stable single transverse mode operation at high power levels.
• To outline anticipated challenges and limitations for future high-power ( > 500 W) and high-energy ( > 100 µJ) laser systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and experimental data on SESAM mode-locked thin disk lasers.
• Analysis of factors influencing stable mode-locking and single transverse mode operation.
• Projection of future technological hurdles based on current performance trends.

Main Results:

• SESAM mode-locked thin disk lasers have demonstrated significant advancements in average power and pulse energy.
• Maintaining single transverse mode operation is a key challenge at increasing power levels.
• Current technology is approaching limitations that need to be addressed for next-generation systems.

Conclusions:

• SESAM mode-locked thin disk lasers are leading high-performance femtosecond laser oscillators.
• Future development requires overcoming challenges in achieving stable single transverse mode operation at > 500 W average power and > 100 µJ pulse energy.
• Continued research is essential for advancing the capabilities of these powerful laser systems.