Abstract
A self-optimizing approach to intra-cavity spectral shaping of external cavity mode-locked semiconductor lasers using edge-emitting multi-section diodes is presented. An evolutionary algorithm generates spectrally resolved phase- and amplitude masks that lead to the utilization of a large part of the net gain spectrum for mode-locked operation. Using these masks as a spectral amplitude and phase filter, a bandwidth of the optical intensity spectrum of 3.7 THz is achieved and Fourier-limited pulses of 216 fs duration are generated after further external compression.
Highlights
Femtosecond technology has enabled tremendous scientific advances in the past two decades [1–4]
An evolutionary algorithm generates spectrally resolved phase- and amplitude masks that lead to the utilization of a large part of the net gain spectrum for mode-locked operation
Using these masks as a spectral amplitude and phase filter, a bandwidth of the optical intensity spectrum of 3.7 THz is achieved and Fourier-limited pulses of 216 fs duration are generated after further external compression
Summary
Femtosecond technology has enabled tremendous scientific advances in the past two decades [1–4]. Intra-cavity dispersion management [7–9], as well as spectral amplitude shaping [6] broaden the bandwidth, and have enabled sub-300 fs pulses Both approaches usually require careful alignment, so that such systems can only be operated by a highly qualified operator. We circumvent this by introducing the first computer-controlled intelligent femtosecond diode-laser system that selfoptimizes intra-cavity dispersion and spectral amplitude shaping for femtosecond pulse generation. Utilizing an evolutionary algorithm, the dispersion and spectral shape are optimized for maximum spectral width of the resulting pulses by the SLM This leads to a self-optimizing laser system, substituting complex alignment and optimization procedures with an intelligent automatic optimization. After chirp compensation by external pulse compression, which is required due to self-phase modulation and ultrafast non-linear processes in the gain medium, Fourier limited pulse widths of 216 fs were obtained
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