200 W Diffraction limited, single-polarization, all-fiber picosecond MOPA

Area of Science:

• Fiber laser technology
• Nonlinear optics

Background:

• Master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) systems are crucial for high-power fiber laser applications.
• Optimizing pulse energy and quality in MOPA systems requires managing nonlinear effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a fully fiberized, single-polarization, gain-switched diode-seeded fiber MOPA system.
• To characterize its performance in terms of pulse duration, repetition frequency, output power, and pulse energy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a gain-switched diode-seeded fiber MOPA architecture.
• Operated the system at variable repetition frequencies from 53 MHz to 858 MHz.
• Measured average output power, pulse energy, pulse duration, and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR).

Main Results:

• Achieved 28 ps pulses at variable repetition frequencies up to 858 MHz.
• Delivered an average signal output power of 200 W with good OSNR across all frequencies.
• Obtained a maximum pulse energy of 3.23 μJ at 53 MHz, yielding a peak power of 107 kW.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated fiber MOPA system offers versatile performance for high-power pulsed fiber laser applications.
• Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) and other nonlinear effects limit maximum pulse energy extraction and necessitate careful management for maintaining pulse quality.