Two MHz tunable non collinear optical parametric amplifiers with pulse durations down to 6 fs

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Spectroscopy
• Laser Physics

Background:

• High repetition rate ultrafast laser systems are crucial for advanced spectroscopic techniques.
• Non collinear optical parametric amplifiers (NOPA) offer tunable ultrashort pulses.
• Existing systems may lack flexibility or compactness for certain applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular and flexible 2 MHz non collinear optical parametric amplifier (NOPA).
• To achieve high stability and compactness in the NOPA design.
• To demonstrate tunable ultrashort pulse generation for time-resolved spectroscopy.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a commercial femtosecond Ytterbium-doped fiber laser as the pump source.
• Employing the second and third harmonics of the fiber laser for pumping.
• Implementing an optimized mechanical design for stability and compactness.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable amplified pulses from 520 nm to 1000 nm with 15-30 fs durations.
• Demonstrated broadband amplification, generating 6 fs pulses at 850 nm.
• Generated a broadband spectrum supporting 4.2 fs transform-limited pulses at 570 nm.
• Ensured high stability and compactness through optimized design.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2 MHz NOPA is a versatile tool for high repetition rate time-resolved X-ray and optical spectroscopy.
• The system's modularity, tunability, and compact design enhance its applicability in various research fields.
• The demonstrated ultrashort pulse generation capabilities open new avenues for ultrafast science.