High Intensity Mega Hertz Mode-Locked Laser

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a unique laser system with stable, self-starting mode-locked lasers. The compact lasers use lower optical elements to produce ultra-short light pulses with sufficient energy for micro and nano-machining applications. 

Extremely short duration optical pulses, which are known as femtosecond pulses, are ultra-short pulses that make it possible to investigate ultrafast processes, and can be used for fast optical data transmission. Ultra-short pulses have unique advantages in that extremely high energies can be created over ultra-short timescales. These high energies allow access to unique physical processes that only occur at these energies. Mode-locked lasers are lasers that can be made to produce pulses of light of extremely short duration (femtoseconds). These lasers are crucial for high-speed signal processing, communications, micro and nano-machining, imaging, and sensing applications. 

Current conventional, commercial, ultrafast mode-locked lasers have basic constituents, which include an active laser medium, resonator mirror, and optical components, usually prisms that compensate for dispersion in the resonator. However, such systems are complex, costly, unstable, and require high pump power levels.

Technical Details

With the UCF invention, the femtosecond regime of the ultra-short light pulses minimizes heat deposition and allows the fabrication of fine features (<10 microns). This novel, compact and commercially viable femtosecond pulse technology enables a wider range of ultrafast laser applications, making it more available to both the research and the development communities.

Benefit

Market Application