Self-optimising modelocked diode laser

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Hofmann
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 190983618

After the first successful demonstration of a self optimising diode laser with an intracavity spatial light modulator (SLM) in the first part of the project, we now aim to optimise and extend this concept towards concrete goals. The target improvements include a reduction of the achieved pulse widths below 100fs, the integration of power amplifiers to achieve high average and peak powers and, finally, the optimisation of the system directly for examplary applications. In detail, we define the following goals:1. With self optimising dispersion and spectral loss control we aim to realise for the first time sub-100 fs pulses with electrically pumped diode lasers. For this purpose we also plan to implement semiconductor active materials with extra broad gain spectra.2. Our passively modelocked lasers will be additionally synchronously modulated in order to determine whether active modulation might influence the chirp towards a larger bandwidth of the emitted pulses. 3. We expect a further shortening of the pulses by improving the pulse compression with the external compressor. By implementing a second SLM into the compressor, also nonlinear chirp components will be compressed.4. To achieve application relevant output power, we will implement a tapered diode laser amplifier into the system. 5. After implementation of the amplifier, the current control of the amplifier will be included into the evolutionary algorithm in order to analyse whether self phase modulation in the amplifier can be used to obtain larger bandwidths and thus shorter pulses after compression.6. The last goal is the successful operation of the self optzimising system in examplary applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Carsten Brenner