Versatile femtosecond laser synchronization for multiple-timescale transient infrared spectroscopy 2.0

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics and Photonics
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Synchronizing different laser systems is crucial for advanced spectroscopic techniques.
• Existing methods often require identical repetition rates or complex modifications.
• Titanium-sapphire (Ti:Sa) and Ytterbium (Yb) lasers are workhorses in scientific research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a versatile and easy-to-implement concept for time-synchronizing Ti:Sa and Yb laser systems.
• To enable single-pump/multiple-probe experiments with high time resolution.
• To achieve synchronization without requiring identical repetition rates or modifying the Ti:Sa laser.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a tunable oscillator round trip frequency (few kHz) for synchronization.
• Leveraging built-in piezoactuators for cavity length adjustment in modern laser systems.
• Achieving synchronization when the Ti:Sa laser produces a pump pulse.

Main Results:

• Successful time-synchronization of a Ti:Sa laser system with a high-repetition rate Yb-laser system.
• Demonstration of single-UV/VIS-pump-multiple IR-probe experiments.
• Achieved time resolution of approximately 1 ps over timescales from 1 ps to 1 s.

Conclusions:

• The presented concept offers a straightforward method for synchronizing diverse laser systems.
• The technique facilitates advanced time-resolved experiments with exceptional temporal control.
• This versatile setup enhances capabilities for studying dynamic processes across broad timescales.