Modelocked femtosecond laser emits at 2420 nm

Nov. 1, 2009
A room-temperature, long-wavelength (2 to 3 µm) femtosecond laser would be useful for high-harmonic generation in the deep-UV or soft-x-ray regions, or as a pump source to create even-longer-wavelength IR femtosecond pulses via parametric or Raman conversion.

A room-temperature, long-wavelength (2 to 3 µm) femtosecond laser would be useful for high-harmonic generation in the deep-UV or soft-x-ray regions, or as a pump source to create even-longer-wavelength IR femtosecond pulses via parametric or Raman conversion. Researchers at Koç University and Teknofil (both in Istanbul, Turkey) have created such a laser, using chromium-doped zinc selenide (Cr2+:ZnSe) as a gain medium. The laser produces 95 fs pulses at a pulse-repetition rate of 94.3 MHz and an average power of 40 mW.

A 5 W thulium fiber laser operating at 1800 nm end-pumps the laser cavity, which contains a 2.4-mm-long Cr2+:ZnSe crystal. Two magnesium fluoride prisms were inserted in the cavity to create a Kerr-lens modelocking configuration with a cavity dispersion of -1700 fs2 at 2420 nm. The full-width half-maximum pulse width was 95.2 fs, assuming a sech2 pulse profile, while the wavelength spectrum had a width of 69 nm; the resulting time-bandwidth product of 0.335 was almost identical to what would be expected for a transform-limited sech2 pulse (0.315). The laser operated continuously and stably for up to 15 minutes; longer periods will be achieved with better optical mounts, say the researchers. Contact Alphan Sennaroglu at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Understanding 3D Printing Tolerances: A Guide to Achieving Precision in Additive Manufacturing

March 28, 2024
In the world of additive manufacturing, precision is paramount. One crucial aspect of ensuring precision in 3D printing is understanding tolerances. In this article, we’ll explore...

Horizon Microtechnologies: Coating 3D Printed Parts with Functional Materials

March 28, 2024
Andreas Frölich from Horizon Microtechnologies talks innovations in 3D micro-parts printing with functional materials for various industries.

Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series

March 19, 2024
IDEX Health & Science sets a new standard with our Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series fluorescence microscope imaging systems. Access superior-quality optics with off-the-shelf...

Spatial Biology

March 19, 2024
Spatial Biology refers to the field that integrates spatial information into biological research, allowing for the study of biological systems in their native spatial context....

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!