Amplification-free GW-level, 150 W, 14 MHz, and 8 fs thin-disk laser based on compression in multipass cells

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Ultrafast Optics
• Attosecond Science

Background:

• High peak power and ultrashort pulse generation are critical for advanced scientific research.
• Thin-disk laser technology offers a scalable platform for high-energy pulse delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an amplification-free thin-disk laser system for generating ultrashort pulses.
• To demonstrate sub-two-cycle pulse durations with high efficiency and repetition rate.
• To establish a driver for XUV frequency combs and attosecond pulse generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a thin-disk oscillator to generate 120 fs pulses at 14 MHz repetition rate.
• Employed pulse compression techniques to achieve 8.0 fs pulse durations.
• Demonstrated an overall system efficiency of 82%.

Main Results:

• Achieved 0.9 GW peak power with 12.8 µJ pulse energy.
• Compressed pulses down to 8.0 fs, with sub-two-cycle operation at 6.2 fs demonstrated.
• Reached an average output power of 148 W.

Conclusions:

• The developed thin-disk laser system provides a unique high-repetition rate source for ultrafast science.
• This technology is suitable for driving XUV frequency combs and attosecond pulse generation.
• The system demonstrates the potential for further advancements in ultrashort pulse laser technology.