Efficient high-power sub-50-fs gigahertz repetition rate diode-pumped solid-state laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Ultrafast Optics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• High-power ultrafast lasers are crucial for scientific and industrial applications.
• Gigahertz (GHz) repetition rate lasers offer high peak powers and average powers.
• Ytterbium-doped materials are efficient gain media for ultrafast lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a directly diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:CALGO bulk laser oscillator.
• To optimize the laser for either highest average power or shortest pulse duration at a 1-GHz repetition rate.
• To demonstrate the potential of this laser as an economical and powerful source.

Main Methods:

• Direct diode-pumping of a Yb:CALGO bulk laser.
• Kerr-lens mode-locking technique.
• Two optimized configurations: one for high average power, one for short pulse duration.

Main Results:

• Highest average power of 6.9 W for a GHz ultrafast laser oscillator.
• Demonstrated 93-fs pulses with 64 kW peak power and 37% optical-to-optical efficiency.
• Achieved shortest pulse duration of 48 fs with 74 kW peak power and 21% efficiency for a GHz-class Yb-based laser.

Conclusions:

• The developed Yb:CALGO laser oscillator sets new records for average power and pulse duration at GHz repetition rates.
• The compact, diode-pumped design offers a cost-effective and high-performance solution.
• This laser has significant potential for diverse applications requiring high-power ultrafast pulses.