Laser Q-switching with PtS₂ microflakes saturable absorber

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials are widely studied as saturable absorbers (SA) for pulsed lasers.
• Fabricating nanomaterials involves complex processes, high energy consumption, and requires expertise.
• Bulk-micro sized layered materials offer a promising alternative for SA development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first passively Q-switched fiber laser using platinum disulfide (PtS2) as a saturable absorber.
• To explore the potential of PtS2 microflakes as a cost-effective and efficient SA for laser applications.
• To investigate the laser performance characteristics when using PtS2-based SA.

Main Methods:

• Platinum disulfide (PtS2) microflakes were prepared using a simple liquid exfoliation method in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
• The PtS2 microflakes were incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer thin film to create the saturable absorber (SA).
• The PtS2-SA was integrated into an Erbium (Er) doped fiber laser ring cavity to achieve passively Q-switched operation.

Main Results:

• A stable Q-switched operation was achieved at a wavelength of 1568.8 nm.
• The laser generated a maximum average output power of 1.1 mW.
• The Q-switched pulses had a repetition rate of 24.6 kHz, a pulse duration of 4.2 μs, and a single pulse energy of 45.6 nJ.

Conclusions:

• Platinum disulfide (PtS2) microflakes are effective saturable absorbers for pulsed fiber lasers.
• The simple fabrication method using liquid exfoliation and PVA incorporation makes PtS2 a promising material for laser photonic applications.
• This study highlights the potential of novel 2D layered materials like PtS2 for advanced laser technologies.