Shaping Of Ultrashort Laser Pulses Research Articles

Acousto-optic femtosecond laser beam shaping for bottle-beam generation

Abstract This study explores the properties of a laser beam shaping system comprising an acousto-optic dispersive delay line (AODDL) and an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for ultrashort laser pulse shaping. The system demonstrates the AODDL’s ability to generate signals with arbitrarily positioned transmission windows and investigates the impact of spectral width on field distributions. The AOTF’s frequency scanning and simultaneous control of two and three spectral components are presented. The experimental setup utilizes femtosecond laser radiation, and the results highlight the system’s versatility for programmable spectral and spatial filtering, offering potential applications in advanced optical manipulation.

Multicolor two-photon light-patterning microscope exploiting the spatio-temporal properties of a fiber bundle.

The development of efficient genetically encoded indicators and actuators has opened up the possibility of reading and manipulating neuronal activity in living tissues with light. To achieve precise and reconfigurable targeting of large numbers of neurons with single-cell resolution within arbitrary volumes, different groups have recently developed all-optical strategies based on two-photon excitation and spatio-temporal shaping of ultrashort laser pulses. However, such techniques are often complex to set up and typically operate at a single wavelength only. To address these issues, we have developed a novel optical approach that uses a fiber bundle and a spatial light modulator to achieve simple and dual-color two-photon light patterning in three dimensions. By leveraging the core-to-core temporal delay and the wavelength-independent divergence characteristics of fiber bundles, we have demonstrated the capacity to generate high-resolution excitation spots in a 3D region with two distinct laser wavelengths simultaneously, offering a suitable and simple alternative for precise multicolor cell targeting.

Quasi-Collinear AOTF Spectral Transmission Under Temperature Gradients Aroused by Ultrasound Power Absotption.

Quasi-collinear geometry is a special configuration of acousto-optic (AO) diffraction that provides an extremely large AO interaction length for achieving extremely high spectral resolution of AO tunable filters (AOTFs). Large AO interaction length also makes it possible to implement multifrequency diffraction in quasi-collinear AOTFs, which has found multiple applications in modern optoelectronics. The most widespread of them being ultrashort laser pulse shaping when the pulse shape and spectral composition is controlled by the spectral composition of the ultrasound pulse aroused in the AO crystal. The operation of quasi-collinear AOTFs is accompanied by the appearance of the temperature gradients in the AO device mainly due to the acoustic power absorption by the material. We experimentally assessed the influence of these gradients on the AOTF spectral characteristics. A theoretical model based on the Raman-Nath equations was proposed, which allows to consider the influence of ultrasound attenuation and temperature gradients on the AOTF transmission. This model is valid for transmission simulations both in single- and modulated-frequency AOTF operation modes. The study includes the effects of acoustic wave attenuation and AO phase matching shift caused by inhomogeneous crystal temperature along the optical beam path. The compensation strategy based on ultrasound frequency and magnitude adjustment is proposed for minimizing the effect of temperature gradients and acoustic field attenuation on AOTF spectral transmission for broadband operation in ultrashort laser pulse shaping.

Optimization of piezotransducer dimensions for quasicollinear paratellurite AOTF

The method of quasicollinear acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) piezoelectric transducer dimensions optimization is presented. The AOTFs with large interaction length apply the bulk acoustic wave (BAW) reflection from the input optical facet. Optimization is based on spectral approach to simulation of the BAW field in anisotropic media and Raman–Nath equations numerically solved for the inhomogeneous acoustic field. It was found that variation of the transducer dimensions can minimize RF power consumption of the AOTF. Comparison of the optimized transducer dimensions with those commonly used in quasicollinear paratellurite AOTFs showed that it is possible to improve the AOTF energy efficiency in about 2 times. It was shown that acoustic field simulation results obtained for one AOTF geometry can be applied to the other geometries but for equivalent frequency providing the same ultrasound beam ray spectrum width. It was also shown that when choosing the quasicollinear AOTF with reflection geometry, one should not rely only on the AO figure of merit value, since the energy efficiency of such AOTF type will be determined by the product of the AO figure of merit and the AOTF efficiency, which takes into account the change in the acoustic beam width in the reflection process. The results aim at improving the design of AOTFs for ultrashort laser pulse shaping.

Spatial phase shaping of ultrashort laser pulses to overcome the diffraction limit

Focused beam shaping is very effective in material laser processing, optical tweezers, and laser microscopy. In particular, size minimization of shaped beams has attracted much attention because it is directly connected to the performance in these applications. In this paper, we demonstrated spatial phase shaping of ultrashort laser pulses to overcome the diffraction limit. In the experiment, it was found that the beam diameter of the sub-diffraction-limit spot was 0.60-times smaller than the diffraction-limit spot. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a sub-diffraction-limit spot was applied to femtosecond laser processing. The diameter of the structure processed by the sub-diffraction-limit spot was reduced to 0.39-times thanks to the nonlinearity of femtosecond laser processing. Furthermore, as the possibility to generate other beam shapes, light patterns formed with combinations of connected and unconnected spots were also demonstrated by the method.

Theoretical Shaping of Femtosecond Laser Pulses for Molecular Photodissociation with Control Techniques Based on Ehrenfest's Dynamics and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory.

The combination of nonadiabatic Ehrenfest-path molecular dynamics (EMD) based on time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and quantum optimal control formalism (QOCT) was used to optimize the shape of ultra-short laser pulses to achieve photodissociation of a hydrogen molecule and the trihydrogen cation H3 (+) . This work completes a previous one [A. Castro, ChemPhysChem, 2013, 14, 1488-1495], in which the same objective was achieved by demonstrating the combination of QOCT and TDDFT for many-electron systems on static nuclear potentials. The optimization model, therefore, did not include the nuclear movement and the obtained dissociation mechanism could only be sequential: fast laser-assisted electronic excitation to nonbonding states (during which the nuclei are considered to be static), followed by field-free dissociation. Here, in contrast, the optimization was performed with the QOCT constructed on top of the full dynamic model comprised of both electrons and nuclei, as described within EMD based on TDDFT. This is the first numerical demonstration of an optimal control formalism for a hybrid quantum-classical model, that is, a molecular dynamics method.

激光脉冲整形在微纳光学系统中的应用研究进展

激光脉冲整形在微纳光学系统中的应用研究进展

Adaptive micro axicons for laser applications

We report on the design, fabrication and testing of novel types of low-dispersion axicons for the adaptive shaping of ultrashort laser pulses. An overview is given on the basic geometries and operating principles of our purely reflective adaptive MEMS-type devices based on thermal or piezoelectric actuation. The flexible formation of nondiffracting beams at pulse durations down to a few oscillations of the optical field enables new applications in optical communication, pulse diagnostics, laser-matter interaction and particle manipulation. As an example, we show first promising results of adaptive autocorrelation. The combination of excellent pulse transfer, self-reconstruction properties and propagation invariance of nondiffracting beams with an adaptive approach promises to extend the field of practical applications significantly.

Optimal control of dissociation of nitrogen molecule with intense ultra-short laser pulse shaping

The quantum optimal control theory in conjunction with time dependent density functional theory is used to optimize the laser pulse shape for dissociation of nitrogen molecule. For several initial peak intensities and frequency ranges, the optimum shapes are produced and compared to determine the most efficient pulse. Ehrenfest molecular dynamics model is also used to test the dissociation process. The corresponding snapshots of density and time dependent electron localization function are presented. It is noticed that when the frequency ranges of laser pulses are doubled, it leads to 60% faster dissociation of N2 molecule.

Theoretical Shaping of Femtosecond Laser Pulses for Ultrafast Molecular Photo‐Dissociation with Control Techniques Based on Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory

The combination of time-dependent density functional theory and quantum optimal control formalism is used to optimize the shape of ultra-short laser pulses in order to achieve the photodissociation of the hydrogen molecule. The very short pulse durations used in this work (a few femtoseconds) do not allow for significant nuclear movement during irradiation, and thus the dissociation mechanism is sequential. During pulse irradiation, a large sudden momentum is communicated which can be understood in terms of population of excited, bound or unbound, dissociative electronic states. The target is defined in terms of the average opposing force during the action of the pulse, or equivalently, in terms of the final dissociative velocity.

Pulse chirp effects in ultrafast laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

When compared to many other sensitive methods for material detection, such as inductively coupled mass spectroscopy and thermal ionization mass spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) typically exhibits a lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), resulting in higher detection limits. Increasing the SNR of LIBS would improve the ability to characterize the sample composition with increased accuracy and speed and reduce the amount of material needed to perform analysis. We have been investigating the effect of simple ultrashort laser pulse shaping on the SNR of LIBS. Our goal is to control the dynamics of the ionization and recombination processes in the laser-produced plasma to favorably affect the SNR associated with the line emission from the plasma. Pulse shaping is performed using an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter. An adaptive learning algorithm is being developed to automate the pulse shape optimization process for maximization of LIBS SNR in nuclear security-relevant material characterization scenarios. We report a 27 % increase of the SNR for non-gated LIBS measurements of uranium by utilizing simple pulse shaping limited exclusively to excess quadratic spectral phase of the laser pulse.

Design, simulation, fabrication, packaging, and characterization of a MEMS-based mirror array for femtosecond pulse-shaping in phase and amplitude

We present an in-detail description of the design, simulation, fabrication, and packaging of a linear micromirror array specifically designed for temporal pulse shaping of ultrashort laser pulses. The innovative features of this device include a novel comb-drive actuator allowing both piston and tilt motion for phase- and amplitude-shaping, and an X-shaped laterally reinforced spring preventing lateral snap-in while providing high flexibility for both degrees of freedom.

Temporal shaping of ultrashort laser pulses by volume Bragg gratings

We propose a new method of temporal shaping of picosecond laser pulses using interference of chirped beams reflected from chirped volume Bragg gratings. This method is numerically simulated and experimentally tested. Quasi-rectangular picosecond pulses are experimentally obtained.

Full control of polarization and temporal shape of ultrashort laser pulses transmittedthrough an optical fibre

We present a method for generating ultrashort pulses of predetermined arbitrary shape atthe distal end of a single mode step index fibre. The relevant properties of thefibre—dispersion, birefringence, and onset of non-linearities—are analyzed and included inthe shaping procedure. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated withparametrically shaped sub-pulse sequences. In these sequences, each sub-pulse isindependently controlled respective to its parameter energy, distance in time, phase, chirp,and state of polarization including orientation, ellipticity, and helicity. The availability ofshaped femtosecond laser pulses via optical fibres will promote their application inendoscopy.

Interference without an interferometer: a different approach to measuring, compressing, and shaping ultrashort laser pulses

The inherent brevity of ultrashort laser pulses prevents a direct measurement of their electric field as a function of time; therefore different approaches based on autocorrelation have been used to characterize them. We present a discussion, guided by experimental studies, regarding accurate measurement, compression, and shaping of ultrashort laser pulses without autocorrelation or interferometry. Our approach based on phase shaping, multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan, provides a direct measurement of the spectral phase. Illustrations of this method include new results demonstrating wavelength independence, compatibility with sub-5fs pulses, and a perfect match for experimental coherent control and biomedical imaging applications.

Application of the Wigner function and matrix optics to describe variations in the shape of ultrashort laser pulses propagating through linear optical systems

The transformation of the shape of ultrashort laser pulses (USPs) in time can be described similarly to the process of image formation in space. It is shown that the wave description of imaging is simplified by using the Wigner function, this description in the quadratic approximation being identical to the use of the ABCD matrices. The transformation of USPs propagating through linear optical systems was described and these systems were classified by the methods of matrix optics.

Nanoscale nonlinear optics in photonic-crystal fibres

Photonic-crystal fibres with submicrometre waveguiding channels enhance nonlinear-optical processes, leading to unique regimes of nanoscale nonlinear-optical interactions. Here we provide an overview of the basic physical mechanisms behind the remarkable nonlinear-optical performance of micro- and nanochannel waveguides and discuss physically different scenarios of nonlinear-optical spectral and temporal transformations of ultrashort pulses in silica and multicomponent-glass photonic-crystal fibres, as well as in natural submicrometre waveguides encountered in biological objects. Small-size waveguides in photonic-crystal fibres with carefully optimized dispersion are used for the frequency shifting and shaping of ultrashort laser pulses, offering much promise for the creation of novel compact and convenient light sources for nonlinear spectroscopy.

Silicon surface morphology study after exposure to tailored femtosecond pulses

Temporal pulse shaping of ultrashort laser pulses has been used for laser ablation of semiconductors. Even the simplest double pulse sequence with a delay of several picoseconds shows remarkable differences in the interaction process, compared to a single pulse of the same total energy. We discuss the interaction of double pulses with single crystal silicon sample in the context of crater morphology for multiple pulses on the same spot. The growth of the typical columnar structures in helium at atmospheric pressure is suppressed and the crater bottom is flat despite the Gaussian beam profile. The influence of the temporal pulse shape has to be treated in conjunction with the influence of the other ablation parameters.

Spatial beam shaping of ultrashort laser pulses: theory and experiment

We studied the spatial intensity profile of an ultrashort laser pulse passing through a laser beam shaping system, which uses diffractive optical elements to reshape a Gaussian beam profile into a flat-topped distribution. Both dispersion and nonlinear self-phase modulation are included in the theoretical model. Our calculation shows that this system works well for ultrashort pulses (approximately 100 fs) when the pulse peak intensity is less than 5 x 10(11) W/cm2. Experimental results are presented for 136 fs pulses at 800 nm wavelength from a Ti:sapphire laser with a 6 nJ pulse energy. We also studied the effects of lateral misalignment, beam-size deviation, and defocusing on the energy fluence profile.

Temporal pulse manipulation and consequences for ultrafast laser processing of materials

Following advances in ultrafast laser technology as a reliable tool for material probing and processing, we discuss various options for control and optimization. The possibility to tailor the temporal shape of ultrashort laser pulses enables extended opportunities for material processing. The concept of optimizing laser interactions is based on the possibility to regulate the energy delivery so that control of laser-induced phenomena can be achieved and quality structures can be realized. An experimental demonstration of the possibility to design excitation sequences tailored with respect to the material response is described, laying the groundwork for adaptive optimization in materials structuring. We show that under particular irradiation conditions involving modulated excitation, the energy flow can be controlled and the material response can be guided to improve processing results. This is particularly important for processing brittle materials. Further examples are given to illuminate the possibility to optimize the kinetic properties of ions emitted from laser-irradiated semiconductors, using excitation sequences synchronized with the solid-to-liquid transformation time. Versatile sub-kilo-electron-volt ion beams are obtained, exploiting transitions to supercritical fluid states with minimal energetic expenses. Temporally selective irradiation can thus open up efficient thermodynamic paths, unfolding interesting perspectives for intelligent, feedback-assisted processing of materials.