Sub-150-fs pulses from an optically pumped broadband modelocked integrated external-cavity surface emitting laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Ultrafast Lasers

Background:

• Optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers, including MIXSELs, are emerging as powerful light sources.
• Achieving ultrashort pulse durations is critical for various scientific and industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a record pulse duration from a MIXSEL.
• To explore the potential of MIXSEL technology for generating ultrashort laser pulses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a modelocked integrated external-cavity surface emitting laser (MIXSEL).
• Employed an optimized multipair dielectric top-coating.
• Incorporated a large bandgap AlAsxP1-x material for strain compensation.
• Designed a nonperiodic InGaAs quantum well gain structure.
• Implemented improved thermal management techniques.

Main Results:

• Achieved a pulse duration of 144 fs.
• Operated at a center wavelength of 1033 nm.
• Exhibited a 13-nm full width at half maximum optical bandwidth.
• Reached a pulse repetition rate of 2.73 GHz.
• Delivered an average output power of 30 mW.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates a new record pulse duration for MIXSELs.
• The achieved performance highlights the potential of MIXSELs for ultrafast laser applications.
• Optimized material composition, coating, and thermal management are key to advancing MIXSEL capabilities.