The Pure-Quartic Soliton Laser
Abstract
Pure-quartic solitons (PQSs) are a new class of optical localised wave packets arising from the interplay of anomalous fourth-order dispersion (FOD) and self-phase modulation (SPM). Like conventional solitons, these new optical pulses can propagate over long distances while maintaining their spectral and temporal shapes. PQSs have the potential to overcome the intrinsically low-energy limit of conventional soliton and open new opportunities for nonlinear applications. However, PQSs have only been observed in silicon photonic crystal waveguides due to the strict and non-trivial waveguide dispersion required for their generation. Moreover, the intrinsic limitations of this platform such as high nonlinear losses and inefficient coupling, do not allow for the full exploitation of the potential of these new optical pulses. We propose to investigate their fundamental physics, and to harness the advantageous properties of PQS over conventional soliton to develop a new class of fiber laser, the PQS laser, emitting ultrashort high-energy pulses. To achieve this goal, we separate our project into three phases. Briefly, we will (1) design, construct and characterize a PQS fiber laser based on the use of a controllable intra-cavity pulse shaper. However, this geometry exhibits high coupling losses, which reduces the efficiency. Therefore, we will then (2) observe and study sub-100 fs PQSs propagation through a specially designed and fabricated photonic crystal fiber (PCF). This PCF will offer a platform for the generation and study of PQSs without the drawbacks of the integrated silicon chip. We have already designed this fibre and expect that it will be provided by collaborators at CREOL, in the USA. And (3), we will design, construct and characterize an all-fiber PQS laser that is based on this fiber and that emits ultrashort, high-energy pulses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 20, 2022
- Source ID
- FA23861914067
Entities
People
- Martijn De Sterke
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Sydney