2W/nm peak-power all-fiber supercontinuum source and its application to the characterization of periodically poled non-linear crystals

Abstract

We demonstrate a uniform high spectral brightness and peak power density all-fiber supercontinuum source. The source consists of a nanosecond Ytterbium fiber laser and an optimal length PCF producing a continuum with a peak power density of 2 W/nm and less than 5 dB of spectral variation between 590 to 1500 nm. The Watt level per nm peak power density enables the use of such sources for the characterization of nonlinear materials. Application of the source is demonstrated with the characterization of several periodically poled crystals.