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High peak-power picosecond pulse generation at 1.26 µm using a quantum-dot-based external-cavity mode-locked laser
Y Ding1, R Aviles-Espinosa, M A Cataluna
1School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK. y.ding@dundee.ac.uk
Optics Express
|June 21, 2012
Summary
High peak-power picosecond optical pulses were generated using a quantum-dot laser and amplifier. This system shows promise for advanced nonlinear bio-imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Quantum-dot lasers offer unique properties for optical pulse generation.
- High peak-power light sources are crucial for advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high peak-power picosecond optical pulse source.
- To evaluate its potential for nonlinear bio-imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a quantum-dot external-cavity passively mode-locked laser (QD-ECMLL).
- Employed a tapered quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier (QD-SOA) for amplification.
- Controlled laser emission wavelength with a chirped volume Bragg grating.
Main Results:
- Achieved an average power of 208.2 mW.
- Generated pulse energy of 321 pJ and peak power of 30.3 W.
- Demonstrated suitability for nonlinear imaging in the 1.0 μm - 1.3 μm range.
Conclusions:
- The QD-ECMLL and QD-SOA system successfully generated high peak-power picosecond pulses.
- The system is a promising light source for nonlinear bio-imaging applications.
