Discrete Similariton and Dissipative Soliton Modelocking for Energy Scaling Ultrafast Thin-Disk Laser Oscillators

Abstract

Since their first demonstration, modelocked thin-disk lasers have consistently surpassed other modelocked oscillator technologies in terms of achievable pulse energy and average power by several orders of magnitude. Surprisingly, state-of-theart results using this technology have so far only been achieved in modelocking regimes where soliton pulse shaping is dominant (i.e., soliton modelocking with semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors or Kerr lens modelocking), in which only small nonlinear phase shifts are tolerable, ultimately limiting pulse energy scaling. Inspired by the staggering success of novel modelocking regimes applied to overcome these limitations in modelocked fiber lasers, namely the similariton (self-similarly evolving pulses) and dissipative soliton regimes, here, we explore these nonlinearity-resistant regimes for the next generation of high-energy modelocked thindisk lasers, whereby millijoule pulse energies appear to be realistic targets. In this goal, we propose two possible implementations. The first is based on a passive multipass cell and designed to support dissipative solitons in an all-normal dispersion cavity. The second incorporates an active multipass cell and is designed to support similaritons. Our numerical investigations indicate that this is a very promising path to increase the pulse energy achievable directly from modelocked oscillators toward the millijoule level while additionally simplifying their implementation by eliminating the need for operation in cumbersome vacuum chambers.

High-power modelocked thin-disk oscillators as potential technology for high-rate material processing

“…Attempts have been made to operate these lasers in chirped pulse regime to allow for higher pulse energy, but only with limited success [ 46 , 47 ]. An interesting path that has been suggested in [ 48 ], is the use of other modelocking regimes commonly used in modelocked fiber lasers, that are more tolerant to strong nonlinear effects for pulse energy scaling. However, these approaches remain so far undemonstrated.…”

The amazing progress of high-power ultrafast thin-disk lasers

“…Other modelocking mechanisms in the weak positive dispersion regime have been attempted [15,16], but so far with limited success. A promising route currently being explored is the use of modelocking regimes which are more tolerant to strong nonlinearities, as commonly exploited in fiber lasers [17], but proof-of-principle experiments remain so far undemonstrated.…”

Carrier-Envelope Offset Frequency Stabilization of a Thin-Disk Laser Oscillator via Depletion Modulation

“…This scheme proved to be power-scalable and allowed the realization of a tight CEO lock due to a large locking bandwidth of 230 kHz. In the work of Gröbmeyer et al [16], the AOM was used as the Kerr-lens element of the TDL and the laser output power exceeded 100 W. However, a special AOM was needed, and with the advent of more sophisticated designs for high-power TDLs [17], the inclusion of an intracavity AOM might be hindered in the future.…”