Use of ZnS as a self-focusing element in a self-starting Kerr lens modelocked Ti:sapphire laser
- Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States)
The authors studied the use of a highly nonlinear self-focusing element made of ZnS in an all solid-state self-starting Kerr lend modelocked Ti:sapphire laser. The results of their calculations show that the relationship between cavity losses and instantaneous intracavity power in such a laser is quite different than the previously reported. The use of ZnS eliminates the need for saturable dyes or cavity modulation to initiate self-modelocked operation. They show experimentally that the pump power threshold for self-modelocking intracavity element made of ZnS. Modelocking in the laser tested, which produced pulses with duration adjustable from 5 ps to 50 fs, was self-starting by Kerr lens mechanism alone. Because of the broad nonlinear response of ZnS, the method is wavelength insensitive, unlike quantum well saturable absorber/mirror designs.
- OSTI ID:
- 118979
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940142--; ISBN 0-8194-1409-3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Completely self-starting picosecond and femtosecond Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser
Direct diode-pumped Kerr Lens 13 fs Ti:sapphire ultrafast oscillator using a single blue laser diode