Generation, Measurement, and Amplification of 20-fs High-Peak-Power Pulses from a Regeneratively Initiated Self-Mode-Locked Ti:sapphire Laser

Abstract

We report the generation and measurement of 804 nm pulses with durations as short as 20 fs and with peak powers as high as 500 kW from a regeneratively initiated, self-mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser. Pulse duration is shown to decrease, and spectral content to increase, as intracavity power is increased. Control of intracavity focusing and a high-modulation-depth, acousto- optic modulator allow the intracavity power to be maximized. Cavity cubic phase error is minimized by correct design and placement of a GDD compensating prism pair. Methods for accurate determination of the pulse duration without assumption of pulse shape are discussed. Interferometric autocorrelation is accomplished with an interferometer which intrinsically balances dispersion and loss in each arm. Techniques for eliminating pulse distortions during amplification are also presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA267617

Entities

People

  • B. E. Lemoff
  • C. L. Gordon Iii
  • C. P. Barty

Organizations

  • Stanford University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acousto-Optic Modulators
  • Compressors
  • Frequency
  • Images
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Pulses
  • Laser Resonators
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Modulation
  • Optical Materials
  • Optics
  • Phase Distortion
  • Phase Modulation
  • Repetition Rate
  • Spectroscopy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy