Ultrafast Mid-Infrared Fiber Laser Systems

Abstract

This project seeks funding to build on this work towards the creation of mode locked 3 µm fibre lasers that use multi-layer graphene, phosphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and processes involving the Ker nonlinearity. The scope of the project includes the development of fibre amplifiers to amplify the ultrafast 3 ?m pulses using new diode-pumped fluoride glass fibres and chirped pulse amplification. Our recent work has clearly shown the potential of fluoride glass fibre for the production of ultrafast pulses in the 3 ?m region of the spectrum however, a greater degree of system reliability could be afforded by the use of for example graphene that is multi-layered for a greater modulation depth which is necessary for self-starting mode locking. For most applications, it will be necessary to amplify the ultrafast pulses for high peak power. The will be accomplished with the use of large mode area fluoride glass fibre that is engineered for thermo-mechanical stability. Macquarie University has been working closely with the leading supplier of fluoride fibre and currently has an NDA in place that will facilitate further fluoride fibre development. This project will involve the demonstration of the first ultrafast 3 µm fluoride glass fibre laser using graphene mode locking and the amplification of the pulses to the 10 s of kW regime.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 15, 2016
Source ID
FA23861614030

Entities

People

  • Alex Fuerbach

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Macquarie University
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics