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19 pages, 10165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Guide for Compact Bow-Tie Femtosecond Solid-State Laser Development

by Vinícius Pereira Pinto, Giovana Trevisan Nogueira, Fátima Maria Mitsue Yasuoka and Jarbas Caiado de Castro Neto

Photonics 2025, 12(6), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060548 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 489

Abstract

Bow-tie cavity configurations have gained significant attention due to their efficacy in facilitating stable resonator operation for applications requiring short pulse operation and high repetition rate pulses, offering versatility and reliability. While there is an extensive body of literature addressing the theoretical aspects [...] Read more.

Bow-tie cavity configurations have gained significant attention due to their efficacy in facilitating stable resonator operation for applications requiring short pulse operation and high repetition rate pulses, offering versatility and reliability. While there is an extensive body of literature addressing the theoretical aspects and applications of this laser configuration, there exists a gap in practical insights and systematic approaches guidance pertaining to the development and precision alignment of this laser type. The paper achieves this by compiling a range of analytical and optimization techniques for the bow-tie cavity configuration and delineating the necessary steps for the optimization required for continuous wave operation. This ultimately leads to the attainment of the pulsed regime through the Kerr Lens Mode-locking technique, offering a detailed account of the development, optimization, and performance evaluation of a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser cavity, using dispersion-compensating mirrors to produce a low-energy pulse of 1 nJ, a high repetition rate of 1 GHz, and a short pulse duration of 61 fs. This work can be useful for researchers and engineers seeking to embark on the development of compact and high-performance femtosecond lasers for a spectrum of applications, encompassing biomedical imaging, laser-assisted surgery, spectroscopy, and optical frequency combs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Lasers, Light Sources and Sensors)

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8 pages, 1555 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Tunable All-Fiber Femtosecond Electro-Optic Optical Frequency Comb Operating at 1.5 μm

by Aiguo Zhang, Ke Dai, Lin Huang, Liwen Sheng, Zhiming Liu, Yudong Cui, Xiang Hao and Yusheng Zhang

Photonics 2025, 12(4), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040311 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 588

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a tunable femtosecond electro-optic optical frequency comb by shaping a continuous-wave seed laser in an all-fiber configuration. The seed laser, operating at 1.5 μm, is first cascade-phase-modulated and subsequently de-chirped to generate low-contrast pulses of approximately 8 ps at [...] Read more.

We propose and demonstrate a tunable femtosecond electro-optic optical frequency comb by shaping a continuous-wave seed laser in an all-fiber configuration. The seed laser, operating at 1.5 μm, is first cascade-phase-modulated and subsequently de-chirped to generate low-contrast pulses of approximately 8 ps at a repetition rate of 5.95 GHz. These pulses are then refined into clean, high-quality picosecond pulses using a Mamyshev regenerator. The generated source is further amplified using an erbium–ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier operating in a highly nonlinear regime, yielding output pulses compressed to around 470 fs. Tunable continuously across a 5.7~6 GHz range with a 1 MHz resolution, the picosecond pulses undergo nonlinear propagation in the final amplification stage, leading to output pulses that can be further compressed to a few hundred femtoseconds. By using a tunable bandpass filter, the center wavelength and spectral bandwidth can be flexibly tuned. This system eliminates the need for mode-locked cavities, simplifying conventional ultrafast electro-optic combs by relying solely on phase modulation, while delivering femtosecond pulses at multiple-gigahertz repetition rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Lasers and Their Applications, 2nd Edition )

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14 pages, 6163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Volume Glass Modification Using a Femtosecond Laser: Comparison Between Repetitive Single-Pulse, MHz Burst, and GHz Burst Regimes

by Manon Lafargue, Théo Guilberteau, Pierre Balage, Bastien Gavory, John Lopez and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Materials 2025, 18(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010078 - 27 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

In this study, we report, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, on in-volume glass modifications produced by GHz bursts of femtosecond pulses. We compare three distinct methods of energy deposition in glass, i.e., the single-pulse, MHz burst, and GHz [...] Read more.

In this study, we report, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, on in-volume glass modifications produced by GHz bursts of femtosecond pulses. We compare three distinct methods of energy deposition in glass, i.e., the single-pulse, MHz burst, and GHz burst regimes, and evaluate the resulting modifications. Specifically, we investigate in-volume modifications produced by each regime under varying parameters such as the pulse/burst energy, the scanning velocity, and the number of pulses in the burst, with the aim of establishing welding process windows for both sodalime and fused silica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fabrication of Advanced Materials)

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13 pages, 8119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bessel Beam Femtosecond Laser Interaction with Fused Silica Before and After Chemical Etching: Comparison of Single Pulse, MHz-Burst, and GHz-Burst

by Théo Guilberteau, Pierre Balage, Manon Lafargue, John Lopez, Laura Gemini and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Micromachines 2024, 15(11), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111313 - 29 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

We investigate the elongated modifications resulting from a Bessel beam-shaped femtosecond laser in fused silica under three different operation modes, i.e., the single-pulse, MHz-burst, and GHz-burst regimes. The single-pulse and MHz-burst regimes show rather similar behavior in glass, featuring elongated and slightly tapered [...] Read more.

We investigate the elongated modifications resulting from a Bessel beam-shaped femtosecond laser in fused silica under three different operation modes, i.e., the single-pulse, MHz-burst, and GHz-burst regimes. The single-pulse and MHz-burst regimes show rather similar behavior in glass, featuring elongated and slightly tapered modifications. Subsequent etching with Potassium Hydroxide exhibits an etching rate and selectivity of up to 606

μ

m/h and 2103:1 in single-pulse operation and up to 322

μ

m/h and 2230:1 in the MHz-burst regime, respectively. Interestingly, in the GHz-burst mode, modification by a single burst of 50 pulses forms a taper-free hole without any etching. This constitutes a significant result paving the way for chemical-free, on-the-fly drilling of high aspect-ratio holes in glass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Micromachines)

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8 pages, 3159 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

High-Power GHz Burst-Mode All-Fiber Laser System with Sub 300 fs Pulse Duration

by Feng Li, Wei Zhao, Yuxi Fu, Jixin Xing, Wenlong Wen, Lei Wang, Qianglong Li, Xue Cao, Hualong Zhao and Yishan Wang

Photonics 2024, 11(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11060570 - 18 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

An all-fiber low-repetition-rate SESAM mode-locked fiber oscillator combined with a dispersion-managed active fiber loop produces a flexible GHz burst-mode laser source. The high-power output is then produced by amplifying the GHz burst-mode laser source using an all-fiber chirped-pulse amplification system. Then, the laser [...] Read more.

An all-fiber low-repetition-rate SESAM mode-locked fiber oscillator combined with a dispersion-managed active fiber loop produces a flexible GHz burst-mode laser source. The high-power output is then produced by amplifying the GHz burst-mode laser source using an all-fiber chirped-pulse amplification system. Then, the laser is compressed using a grating pair compressor; a maximum amplified power of 97 W is obtained. This results in a compressed high power of 82.07 W with a power stability RMS of 0.09% and beam quality better than 1.2. Accurate dispersion control allows for the production of a high-quality pulse duration of 265 fs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Lasers and Their Applications, 2nd Edition )

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13 pages, 5714 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Femtosecond Laser Percussion Drilling of Silicon Using Repetitive Single Pulse, MHz-, and GHz-Burst Regimes

by Pierre Balage, Manon Lafargue, Théo Guilberteau, Guillaume Bonamis, Clemens Hönninger, John Lopez and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050632 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3771

Abstract

In this contribution, we present novel results on top-down drilling in silicon, the most important semiconductor material, focusing specifically on the influence of the laser parameters. We compare the holes obtained with repetitive single pulses, as well as in different MHz- and GHz-burst [...] Read more.

In this contribution, we present novel results on top-down drilling in silicon, the most important semiconductor material, focusing specifically on the influence of the laser parameters. We compare the holes obtained with repetitive single pulses, as well as in different MHz- and GHz-burst regimes. The deepest holes were obtained in GHz-burst mode, where we achieved holes of almost 1 mm depth and 35 µm diameter, which corresponds to an aspect ratio of 27, which is higher than the ones reported so far in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, we study the influence of the energy repartition within the burst in GHz-burst mode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Micro/Nano Fabrication, Second Edition)

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9 pages, 3670 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Time Domain Simulated Characterization of the Coplanar Waveguide in an On-Chip System for Millimeter Waveform Metrology

by Kejia Zhao, He Chen, Xiangjun Li, Jie Sun, Bo Li, Dexian Yan and Lanlan Li

Electronics 2024, 13(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13010145 - 28 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1283

Abstract

We investigate the time domain characterization of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) based on an on-chip electro-optic sampling (EOS) system for millimeter waveform metrology. The CPW is fabricated on a thin layer of low-temperature gallium arsenide (LT-GaAs), and the substrate material is GaAs. A [...] Read more.

We investigate the time domain characterization of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) based on an on-chip electro-optic sampling (EOS) system for millimeter waveform metrology. The CPW is fabricated on a thin layer of low-temperature gallium arsenide (LT-GaAs), and the substrate material is GaAs. A femtosecond laser generates and detects ultrashort pulses on the CPW. The forward propagating pulses are simulated using a simplified current source for the femtosecond laser at different positions on the CPW for the first time. Then, the influences of the CPW geometry parameters on the measured pulses are discussed. The varying slot width has larger influences on the amplitude of millimeter wave pulses than the center conductor width and the pumping gap. Finally, in the frequency range of 10 GHz to 500 GHz, the transfer functions calculated by the time domain pulses are in good agreement with the transfer functions calculated by the frequency domain ports. The above results are important for improving the measurement precision of the millimeter waveform on the CPW for millimeter waveform metrology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RF, Microwave, and Millimeter Wave Devices and Circuits and Their Applications)

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11 pages, 2476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Percussion Drilling in Glasses with a Femtosecond Laser in Single Pulse, MHz-Burst, and GHz-Burst Regimes and Optimization of the Hole Aspect Ratio

by Pierre Balage, Manon Lafargue, Théo Guilberteau, Guillaume Bonamis, Clemens Hönninger, John Lopez and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091754 - 7 Sep 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

In this contribution, we present a comparative study on top-down drilling in sodalime glass, with a femtosecond laser operating in single-pulse, MHz-burst and GHz-burst modes, respectively. We investigate the hole depth, drilling rate, and hole morphology for these three regimes while keeping the [...] Read more.

In this contribution, we present a comparative study on top-down drilling in sodalime glass, with a femtosecond laser operating in single-pulse, MHz-burst and GHz-burst modes, respectively. We investigate the hole depth, drilling rate, and hole morphology for these three regimes while keeping the same experimental conditions. We demonstrate that, for both burst regimes, the burst length has to be adapted for optimizing the hole depth. In the GHz-burst regime, the lower the ablation rate the longer the holes. The three drilling regimes lead to different hole morphologies, where the GHz-burst mode results in the best hole quality featuring glossy inner walls and an almost cylindrical morphology. Furthermore, we obtain crack-free holes, the deepest measuring 3.7 mm in length and 25 µm in entrance diameter corresponding to an aspect ratio of 150, which is the highest aspect ratio reported thus far with femtosecond GHz-burst drilling to the best of our knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Micro/Nano Fabrication)

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15 pages, 5344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bessel Beam Dielectrics Cutting with Femtosecond Laser in GHz-Burst Mode

by Pierre Balage, Théo Guilberteau, Manon Lafargue, Guillaume Bonamis, Clemens Hönninger, John Lopez and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091650 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3372

Abstract

We report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, Bessel beam dielectrics cutting with a femtosecond laser in GHz-burst mode. The non-diffractive beam shaping is based on the use of an axicon and allows for cutting glasses up to 1 [...] Read more.

We report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, Bessel beam dielectrics cutting with a femtosecond laser in GHz-burst mode. The non-diffractive beam shaping is based on the use of an axicon and allows for cutting glasses up to 1 mm thickness with an excellent cutting quality. Moreover, we present a comparison of the cutting results with the state-of-the-art method, consisting of short MHz-bursts of femtosecond pulses. We further illustrate the influence of the laser beam parameters such as the burst energy and the pitch between consecutive Bessel beams on the machining quality of the cutting plane and provide process windows for both regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Micro/Nano Fabrication)

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10 pages, 2982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advances in Femtosecond Laser GHz-Burst Drilling of Glasses: Influence of Burst Shape and Duration

by Pierre Balage, Guillaume Bonamis, Manon Lafargue, Théo Guilberteau, Martin Delaigue, Clemens Hönninger, Jie Qiao, John Lopez and Inka Manek-Hönninger

Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061158 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3964

Abstract

The femtosecond GHz-burst mode laser processing has attracted much attention in the last few years. Very recently, the first percussion drilling results obtained in glasses using this new regime were reported. In this study, we present our latest results on top-down drilling in [...] Read more.

The femtosecond GHz-burst mode laser processing has attracted much attention in the last few years. Very recently, the first percussion drilling results obtained in glasses using this new regime were reported. In this study, we present our latest results on top-down drilling in glasses, focusing specifically on the influence of burst duration and shape on the hole drilling rate and the quality of the drilled holes, wherein holes of very high quality with a smooth and glossy inner surface can be obtained. We show that a decreasing energy repartition of the pulses within the burst can increase the drilling rate, but the holes saturate at lower depths and present lower quality than holes drilled with an increasing or flat energy distribution. Moreover, we give an insight into the phenomena that may occur during drilling as a function of the burst shape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Micro/Nano Fabrication)

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9 pages, 2359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency-Tunable Pulsed Microwave Waveform Generation Based on Unbalanced Single-Arm Interferometer Excited by Near-Infrared Femtosecond Laser

by Xing Jia, Longhuang Tang, Shenggang Liu, Heli Ma, Tianjiong Tao, Long Chen, Jian Wu, Chengjun Li, Xiang Wang, Linwen Zhang and Jidong Weng

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11928; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411928 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

Femtosecond laser-excited generation of frequency-tunable microwave pulses, based on an unbalanced single-arm interferometer with frequency-to-time mapping, has been proposed and demonstrated with easy-to-obtain commercial devices. The optical wave-to-microwave frequency conversion, which involves continuous tuning in the range from 2.0 GHz to 19.7 GHz, [...] Read more.

Femtosecond laser-excited generation of frequency-tunable microwave pulses, based on an unbalanced single-arm interferometer with frequency-to-time mapping, has been proposed and demonstrated with easy-to-obtain commercial devices. The optical wave-to-microwave frequency conversion, which involves continuous tuning in the range from 2.0 GHz to 19.7 GHz, was achieved based on simple spatial–optical group delay adjustment. Additionally, the pulse duration of the microwave waveform was measured to be 24 ns as the length of the linear dispersion optical fiber was fixed at 20 km. In addition, owing to the designs of the single-arm optical path and polarization-independent interference, the generated microwave pulse train had better stability in terms of frequency and electrical amplitude. Furthermore, a near-triangular-shaped microwave pulse at 4.5 GHz was experimentally obtained by the superposition of two generated sinusoidal signals, which verified the potential of this system to synthesize special microwave waveform pulses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Technologies and Nonlinear Optics in Surface Sciences)

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22 pages, 3431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Broadband Photo-Excited Coherent Acoustic Frequency Combs and Mini-Brillouin-Zone Modes in a MQW-SESAM Structure

by Changxiu Li, Vitalyi Gusev, Emmanouil Dimakis, Thomas Dekorsy and Mike Hettich

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9020289 - 15 Jan 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4412

Abstract

A multiple quantum-well semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (MQW-SESAM) structure has been investigated by femtosecond pump-probe laser spectroscopy at a central wavelength of around 1050 nm. Coherent acoustic phonons are generated and detected over a wide frequency range from ~15 GHz to ~800 GHz. [...] Read more.

A multiple quantum-well semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (MQW-SESAM) structure has been investigated by femtosecond pump-probe laser spectroscopy at a central wavelength of around 1050 nm. Coherent acoustic phonons are generated and detected over a wide frequency range from ~15 GHz to ~800 GHz. In the optical absorption region, i.e., in the multiple quantum wells (In_0.27Ga_0.73As), acoustic frequency combs centered at ~365 GHz, with a comb spacing of ~33 GHz, are generated. Most importantly, in the transparent region, i.e., in the distributed Bragg reflector, which is formed by a non-doped long-period semiconductor GaAs/Al_0.95Ga_0.05As superlattice, the mini-Brillouin-zone center, as well as zone-edge acoustic modes, are observed. The mini-zone-center modes with a fundamental frequency of 32 GHz can be attributed to the spatial modulation of the pump optical interference field with a period very close to that of the distributed Bragg reflector, in combination with the periodic spatial modulation of the electrostriction coefficient in the distributed Bragg reflector. The excitation of mini-zone-edge modes is attributed to the stimulated subharmonic decay of the fundamental center modes. Their subsequent back-folding to the mini-Brillouin-zone center makes them Raman active for the probe light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Ultrasonics)

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