Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:LuAG ceramic thin-disk laser.

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Yb:LuAG) ceramic is a promising material for high-power lasers.
• Its properties include high thermal conductivity and a large emission cross-section, beneficial for laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) thin-disk laser utilizing Yb:LuAG ceramic.
• To evaluate the performance of Yb:LuAG ceramic in high-power, ultrashort pulse laser applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of a Yb:LuAG ceramic thin-disk laser.
• Implementation of Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM) technique.
• Optimization of cavity parameters for ultrashort pulse generation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum output power of 17 W with a pulse duration of 130 fs.
• Obtained a pulse duration as short as 88 fs by employing a high-Q factor cavity.
• This marks the first reported KLM thin-disk laser using Yb:LuAG (ceramic and single crystal).

Conclusions:

• Yb:LuAG ceramic is a viable and effective material for developing high-power ultrashort pulse laser sources.
• The demonstrated KLM thin-disk laser showcases the potential of ceramic thin disks for advanced laser technologies.