Abstract
The experimental proof-of-concept demonstration of an end-pumped Yb:KGW laser with tunable spectral and temporal output characteristics is reported. For the first time, tuning of both of these characteristics in a solid-state laser is achieved simultaneously using a single electrothermally actuated micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) micromirror with controllable tilt angle in two dimensions. In a continuous-wave mode, a wavelength tuning range of 22 nm with Q -switched operation, by using simultaneous static tilt and resonant scanning of the MOEMS mirror about orthogonal axes. In this operational mode, a pulse repetition rate of 2.06 kHz was obtained with pulse durations varying from 460 to 740 ns over the addressable range of laser wavelengths.
Highlights
A LONGSIDE the benefits of compact design, low-cost batch fabrication and low electrical demands in comparison to their bulk counterparts, the additional benefits of using micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) in enhancing laser functionality have been demonstrated over a broad range of applications
Stresses introduced by the fabrication process and by the deposition of the gold coating through the bimorph effect resulted in a concave MOEMS mirror surface curvature
Further flexibility could be added to the laser through tunable Q-switch repetition rate, which could be achieved by tuning the driving signal frequency of the MOEMS actuator. This would be limited by the resonant operating range of the MOEMS mirror and would inherently affect the pulse duration, since the optical scan angle would be reduced by driving the MOEMS mirror off-resonance
Summary
A LONGSIDE the benefits of compact design, low-cost batch fabrication and low electrical demands in comparison to their bulk counterparts, the additional benefits of using micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) in enhancing laser functionality have been demonstrated over a broad range of applications. With multi-kHz scan rates, large scan angles, variable focal length, multi-axis movement mechanisms, or a combination of these features, MOEMS allow innovative routes for optimizing existing laser technology and generating novel laser concepts. Active Qswitching has been reported in fiber lasers using intracavity MOEMS mirrors [20], cantilevers [21]–[23] and membranes [24]–[26] Amongst those was a novel technique to temporally synchronize and spectrally combine multiple MOEMS Qswitched fiber lasers, enabling power-scaling and higher pulse repetition rate [22]. We have reported intracavity scanning MOEMS mirrors for active Q-switching of Nd:YLF and Nd:YAG solid-state lasers [27], [28], and a novel technique where a compact MOEMS mirror array enabled two individually.
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