Dual-comb self-mode-locked monolithic Yb:KGW laser with orthogonal polarizations

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Understanding laser dynamics is crucial for developing advanced optical systems.
• Optimizing gain-to-loss balance is key for efficient laser operation.
• Dual-comb lasers offer unique capabilities for spectroscopy and metrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically analyze the dependence of lasing threshold on output transmission.
• To determine the gain-to-loss balance conditions for orthogonal polarizations in a Yb:KGW laser.
• To experimentally achieve orthogonally polarized dual-comb self-mode-locked operation.

Main Methods:

• Numerical analysis of lasing threshold and gain-to-loss balance.
• Experimental setup utilizing a coated Yb:KGW crystal in a monolithic cavity.
• Characterization of output power, pulse repetition rate, and pulse duration for orthogonal polarizations.

Main Results:

• The numerical analysis identified conditions for optimal gain-to-loss balance.
• Experimentally achieved orthogonally polarized dual-comb self-mode-locked operation.
• Measured average output power of 0.24 W (Np) and 0.6 W (Nm).
• Observed pulse repetition rates of 25.8 GHz (Np) and 25.3 GHz (Nm).
• Recorded pulse durations of 1.06 ps (Np) and 1.12 ps (Nm).

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrated orthogonally polarized dual-comb self-mode-locked operation in a Yb:KGW laser.
• The results validate the numerical analysis for optimizing laser performance.
• This work provides a foundation for developing compact and efficient dual-comb laser sources.