Non-linear optical processes are effective label-free methods for molecular sensing and imaging. An essential consideration for implementing nonlinear optical spectroscopy and imaging is the ultrafast laser source. Applications, such as coherent Raman spectroscopy and imaging, also require wavelength tunability and multiline outputs. Existing solid state systems are complex, costly and bulky. Fiber-based systems, on the other hand, are cost-effective and easier to use. Here we present the development of a divided pulse soliton self-frequency shift source capable of generating multi-line, ultrashort pulses with broadband tunability, while keeping a compact footprint. Recent experimental progress will be discussed.
We present a robust, multi-line, tunable and power scalable ultrashort optical source suitable for nonlinear optical imaging. A systematic characterization of the seed oscillator, pulse stretcher, pre-amp, and power-amp along with the methods of pulse compression, pulse division and the phenomenon of soliton self frequency shift through a photonic crystal fiber arepresented to make a tunable and multi-colored pulsed source capable of dual polarization and power-scalable operation.
Kerr resonators are simple and compact devices that enable ultrashort pulse and frequency comb generation over a wide range of wavelength and pulse parameters that are difficult to access with traditional mode-locked laser sources. Pulse generation in these systems derives from the formation of stable optical solitons. The pulse performance can be enhanced by exploiting novel classes of optical solitons. This talk will examine recently discovered cavity solitons in fiber Kerr resonators, including stretched-pulse and chirped pulse solitons. Stretched-pulse solitons in dispersion-managed systems enable record short pulses from Kerr resonators and chirped pulsed solitons in normal-dispersion cavities have the potential to stabilize much higher pulse energies. This talk will also examine the most recent results for pulse performance enhancement in stretched-pulse systems and the remarkable tolerance for dissipation of chirped-pulse Kerr resonator solitons.
Femtosecond mode-locked lasers are an important tool for the physical and life sciences. However, applications such as biomedical imaging require complex and expensive auxiliary systems to achieve desirable wavelengths and pulse repetition rates. In this talk I will discuss progress on the development of a complementary approach to femtosecond pulse generation based on fiber Kerr resonators. Recent experimental and theoretical results reveal a range of new phenomena including the shortest pulses observed to date from a fiber Kerr resonator
We presented a broadly tunable, power scalable, multi-line, ultrafast source. The source is based on combining principles of pulse division with the phenomenon of the soliton self-frequency shift. By using this system, interferometric pulse recombination is demonstrated showing that the source can decouple the generally limiting relationship between output power and center wavelength in soliton self-frequency shift based optical sources. Broadly tunable multi-color soliton self-frequency shifted pulses are experimentally demonstrated. Simultaneous dual-polarization second harmonic generation was performed with the source, demonstrating one novel imaging methodology that the source can enable.
Ultrashort pulsed mode-locked lasers with exceptional performance qualities (e.g. short temporal widths or high peak powers) are desired for applications ranging from biomedical imaging to materials processing. Despite rapid progress in source development, evidence suggests that performance limits anticipated theoretically have not yet been reached. In this talk, we review recent progress and help resolve the discrepancy by presenting a limit to mode-locked laser performance based on the route taken to reach the desired steady-state pulse solution instead of on the pulse solution itself. Furthermore, we introduce an iteratively seeded method of mode-locking that allows this limit to be surmounted.
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