Showing papers on "Supercontinuum published in 2021"

Predicting ultrafast nonlinear dynamics in fibre optics with a recurrent neural network

Abstract: The propagation of ultrashort pulses in optical fibre plays a central role in the development of light sources and photonic technologies, with applications from fundamental studies of light–matter interactions to high-resolution imaging and remote sensing. However, short pulse dynamics are highly nonlinear, and optimizing pulse propagation for application purposes requires extensive and computationally demanding numerical simulations. This creates a severe bottleneck in designing and optimizing experiments in real time. Here, we present a solution to this problem using a recurrent neural network to model and predict complex nonlinear propagation in optical fibre, solely from the input pulse intensity profile. We highlight particular examples in pulse compression and ultra-broadband supercontinuum generation, and compare neural network predictions with experimental data. We also show how the approach can be generalized to model other propagation scenarios for a wider range of input conditions and fibre systems, including multimode propagation. These results open up novel perspectives in the modelling of nonlinear systems, for the development of future photonic technologies and more generally in physics for studies in Bose–Einstein condensates, plasma physics and hydrodynamics. The propagation of ultrashort pulses in optical fibres, of interest in scientific studies of nonlinear systems, depends sensitively on both the input pulse and the fibre characteristics and normally requires extensive numerical simulations. A new approach based on a recurrent neural network can predict complex nonlinear propagation in optical fibre, solely from the input pulse intensity profile, and helps to design experiments in pulse compression and ultra-broadband supercontinuum generation.

Design of supercontinuum laser hyperspectral light detection and ranging (LiDAR) (SCLaHS LiDAR)

Abstract: Traditional Light Detection and Rangings (LiDARs) can quickly collect high-accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data at a designated wavelength (i.e., cannot obtain hyperspectral data), w...

Broadband silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays for wide-angle beam steering.

Abstract: In this Letter, the broadband operation in wavelengths from 520 nm to 980 nm is demonstrated on silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays. The widest beam steering angle of 65° on a silicon nitride phased array is achieved. The optical radiation efficiency of the main grating lobe in a broad wavelength range is measured and analyzed theoretically. The optical spots radiated from the phased array chip are studied at different wavelengths of lasers. The nanophotonic phased array is excited by a supercontinuum laser source for a wide range of beam steering for the first time to the best of our knowledge. It paves the way to tune the wavelength from visible to near infrared range for silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays.

Seven-octave high-brightness and carrier-envelope-phase-stable light source

Abstract: High-brightness sources of coherent and few-cycle-duration light waveforms with spectral coverage from the ultraviolet to the terahertz would offer unprecedented versatility and opportunities for a wide range of applications from bio-chemical sensing1 to time-resolved and nonlinear spectroscopy, and to attosecond light-wave electronics2,3. Combinations of various sources with frequency conversion4,5 and supercontinuum generation6–9 can provide relatively large spectral coverage, but many applications require a much broader spectral range10 and low-jitter synchronization for time-domain measurements11. Here, we present a carrier-envelope-phase (CEP)-stable light source, seeded by a mid-infrared frequency comb12,13, with simultaneous spectral coverage across seven optical octaves, from the ultraviolet (340 nm) into the terahertz (40,000 nm). Combining soliton self-compression and dispersive wave generation in an anti-resonant-reflection photonic-crystal fibre with intra-pulse difference frequency generation in BaGa2GeSe6, the spectral brightness is two to five orders of magnitude above that of synchrotron sources. This will enable high-dynamic-range spectroscopies and provide numerous opportunities in attosecond physics and material sciences14,15. Using a gas-filled anti-resonant-reflection photonic-crystal fibre, a high-brightness table-top source of coherent carrier-envelope-phase-stable waveforms is demonstrated across seven octaves (340 nm to 40,000 nm) with ultraviolet peak powers up to 2.5 MW and terahertz peak powers of 1.8 MW, without the need for changing nonlinear crystals.

Mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in a low-loss germanium-on-silicon waveguide

Abstract: We experimentally demonstrate supercontinuum (SC) generation in a germanium-on-silicon waveguide. This waveguide exhibits propagation loss between 1.2 dB/cm and 1.35 dB/cm in the 3.6 µm–4.5 µm spectral region for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations. By pumping the waveguide with ∼200 fs pulses at 4.6 µm wavelength, we generate a mid-infrared (IR) SC spanning nearly an octave from 3.39 µm to 6.02 µm at the −40 dB level. Through numerical analysis of the evolution of the SC, we attribute the current limit to further extension into the mid-IR mainly to free-carrier absorption.

Recent advances in supercontinuum generation in specialty optical fibers [Invited]

Abstract: The physics and applications of fiber-based supercontinuum (SC) sources have been a subject of intense interest over the last decade, with significant impact on both basic science and industry. New uses for SC sources are also constantly emerging due to their unique properties that combine high brightness, multi-octave frequency bandwidth, fiber delivery, and single-mode output. The last few years have seen significant research efforts focused on extending the wavelength coverage of SC sources towards the 2 to 20µm molecular fingerprint mid-infrared (MIR) region and in the ultraviolet (UV) down to 100 nm, while also improving stability, noise and coherence, output power, and polarization properties. Here we review a selection of recent advances in SC generation in a range of specialty optical fibers, including fluoride, chalcogenide, telluride, and silicon-core fibers for the MIR; UV-grade silica fibers and gas-filled hollow-core fibers for the UV range; and all-normal dispersion fibers for ultralow-noise coherent SC generation.

Photonic chip-based resonant supercontinuum via pulse-driven Kerr microresonator solitons

Abstract: Supercontinuum generation and soliton microcomb formation both represent key techniques for the formation of coherent, ultrabroad optical frequency combs, enabling the RF-to-optical link. Coherent supercontinuum generation typically relies on ultrashort pulses with kilowatt peak power as a source, and so are often restricted to repetition rates less than 1 GHz. Soliton microcombs, conversely, have an optical conversion efficiency that is best at ultrahigh repetition rates such as 1 THz. Neither technique easily approaches the microwave domain, i.e., 10 s of GHz, while maintaining an ultrawide spectrum. Here, we bridge the efficiency gap between the two approaches in the form of resonant supercontinuum generation by driving a dispersion-engineered photonic-chip-based microresonator with picosecond pulses of the order of 1-W peak power. We generate a smooth 2200-line soliton-based comb at an electronically detectable 28 GHz repetition rate. Importantly, we observe that solitons exist in a weakly bound state with the input pulse where frequency noise transfer from the input pulses is suppressed even for offset frequencies 100 times lower than the linear cavity decay rate. This transfer can be reduced even further by driving the cavity asynchronously, ensuring the frequency comb stays coherent even for optical lines very far from the pump center.

Power stable 1.5-10.5 µm cascaded mid-infrared supercontinuum laser without thulium amplifier.

Abstract: We demonstrate a simple and power stable 15–105 µm cascaded mid-infrared 3 MHz supercontinuum fiber laser To increase simplicity and decrease cost, the design of the fiber cascade is optimized so that no thulium amplifier is needed Despite the simple design with no thulium amplifier, we demonstrate a high average output power of 866 mW Stability measurements for seven days with 8–9 h operation daily revealed fluctuations in the average power with a standard deviation of only 043% and a power spectral density stability of ±018dBm/nm for wavelengths <10µm The high-repetition-rate, robust, and cheap all-fiber design makes this source ideal for applications in spectroscopy and imaging

Shot-noise limited, supercontinuum-based optical coherence tomography

Abstract: We present the first demonstration of shot-noise limited supercontinuum-based spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with an axial resolution of 5.9 μm at a center wavelength of 1370 nm. Current supercontinuum-based SD-OCT systems cannot be operated in the shot-noise limited detection regime because of severe pulse-to-pulse relative intensity noise of the supercontinuum source. To overcome this disadvantage, we have developed a low-noise supercontinuum source based on an all-normal dispersion (ANDi) fiber, pumped by a femtosecond laser. The noise performance of our 90 MHz ANDi fiber-based supercontinuum source is compared to that of two commercial sources operating at 80 and 320 MHz repetition rate. We show that the low-noise of the ANDi fiber-based supercontinuum source improves the OCT images significantly in terms of both higher contrast, better sensitivity, and improved penetration. From SD-OCT imaging of skin, retina, and multilayer stacks we conclude that supercontinuum-based SD-OCT can enter the domain of shot-noise limited detection.

Ultra-flat, low-noise, and linearly polarized fiber supercontinuum source covering 670–1390 nm

Abstract: We report an octave-spanning coherent supercontinuum (SC) fiber laser with excellent noise and polarization properties. This was achieved by pumping a highly birefringent all-normal dispersion photonic crystal fiber with a compact high-power ytterbium femtosecond laser at 1049 nm. This system generates an ultra-flat SC spectrum from 670 to 1390 nm with a power spectral density higher than 0.4 mW/nm and a polarization extinction ratio of 17 dB across the entire bandwidth. An average pulse-to-pulse relative intensity noise down to 0.54% from 700 to 1100 nm was measured and found to be in good agreement with numerical simulations. This highly stable broadband source could find strong potential applications in biomedical imaging and spectroscopy where an improved signal-to-noise ratio is essential.

Fourier transform spectrometer based on high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources for trace gas detection

Abstract: We present a fast-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) in combination with high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources, covering a wavelength range of 2–10.5 µm. We demonstrate the performance of the spectrometer for trace gas detection and compare various detection methods: baseband detection with a single photodetector, baseband balanced detection, and synchronous demodulation at the repetition rate of the supercontinuum source. The FTS uses off-the-shelf optical components and provides a minimum spectral resolution of 750 MHz. It achieves a noise equivalent absorption sensitivity of ∼10−6 cm−1 Hz−1/2 per spectral element, by using a 31.2 m multipass absorption cell.

Supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibers infiltrated with tetrachloroethylene

Abstract: This study proposes a photonic crystal fiber made of fused silica glass, with the core infiltrated with tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) as a new source of supercontinuum (SC) spectrum. We studied numerically the guiding properties of the several different fiber structures in terms of characteristic dispersion, mode area, and attenuation of the fundamental mode. Based on the results, the structural geometries of three C2Cl4-core photonic crystal fibers were optimized in order to support the broadband SC generations. The first fiber structure with lattice constant 1.5 μm and filling factor 0.4 operates in all-normal dispersion. The SC with a broadened spectral bandwidth of 0.8–2 μm is generated by a pump pulse with a central wavelength of 1.56 μm, 90 fs duration and energy of 1.5 nJ. The second proposed structure, with lattice constant 4.0 μm and filling factor 0.45, performs an anomalous dispersion for wavelengths longer than 1.55 μm. With the same pump pulse as the first fiber, we obtained the coherence SC spectrum in an anomalous dispersion range with wavelength range from 1 to 2 μm. Meanwhile, the third selected fiber (lattice constant 1.5 μm, filling factor 0.55) has two zero dispersion wavelengths at 1.04 μm and 1.82 μm. The octave-spanning of the SC spectrum formed in this fiber was achieved in the wavelength range of 0.7–2.4 μm with an input pulse whose optical properties are 1.03 μm wavelength, 120 fs duration and energy of 2 nJ. Those fibers would be good candidates for all-fiber SC sources as cost-effective alternatives to glass core fibers.

Discretized conical waves in multimode optical fibers

Abstract: Multimode optical fibers has emerged as the platform that will bridge the gap between nonlinear optics in bulk media and in single-mode fibers. However, the understanding of the transition between these two research fields still remains incomplete despite numerous investigations of intermodal nonlinear phenomena and spatiotemporal coupling. Some of the striking phenomena observed in bulk media with ultrashort and ultra-intense pulses (i.e., conical emission, harmonic generation and light bullets) require a deeper insight to be possibly unveiled in multimode fibers. Here we generalize the concept of conical waves described in bulk media towards structured media, such as multimode optical fibers, in which only a discrete and finite number of modes can propagate. Such propagation-invariant optical wave packets can be linearly generated, in the limit of superposed monochromatic fields, by shaping their spatiotemporal spectrum, while they can spontaneously emerge when a rather intense short pulse propagates nonlinearly in a multimode waveguide, whatever the dispersion regime and waveguide geometry. The modal distribution of optical fibers then provides a discretization of conical emission (e.g., discretized X-waves). Future experiments in commercially-available multimode fibers could reveal different forms of conical emission and supercontinuum light bullets.

Design of photonic crystal fibers with flat dispersion and three zero dispersion wavelengths for coherent supercontinuum generation in both normal and anomalous regions

Abstract: A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) structure with three-zero dispersion wavelengths (ZDWs) and a flat dispersion curve was designed by adjusting the structural parameters (the diameters of small air holes inserted between standard lattices in the first and third rings) and fiber core size to obtain the required shape, number of extreme points and the dynamic range of waveguide dispersion (Dw) curve. A quantitative method which was realized by fixing the positions of the ZDWs and tailoring different dispersion slopes was proposed to design another PCF with the same ZDWs and a slightly larger dispersion slope. Both of the designed PCFs were used for contrast experiments of supercontinuum (SC) generation. The simulation results show that the flat dispersion can produce the coherent SC in both normal and anomalous dispersion regions for the designed two PCFs. The degree of flatness and the wavelength range of coherent SC are determined by the great time-domain compression due to the direct soliton spectrum tunneling (DSST) resulting from the mismatch between self-phase modulation and gradually decreasing dispersion. A wide, flat, and coherent SC with a wavelength range of 1281–2200 nm and power range of −14.8 ~ −9.4 dB was obtained for the PCF with flatter dispersion by pumping in the anomalous dispersion region with 50 fs incident pulse. This study is instructive for PCF design in different application scenarios and finds a new way for the generation of wide flat coherent spectrum.

A Custom-Tailored Multi-TW Optical Electric Field for Gigawatt Soft-X-Ray Isolated Attosecond Pulses

Abstract: Since the first isolated attosecond pulse was demonstrated through high-order harmonics generation (HHG) in 2001, researchers’ interest in the ultrashort time region has expanded. However, one realizes a limitation for related research such as attosecond spectroscopy. The bottleneck is concluded to be the lack of a high-peak-power isolated attosecond pulse source. Therefore, currently, generating an intense attosecond pulse would be one of the highest priority goals. In this paper, we review our recent work of a TW-class parallel three-channel waveform synthesizer for generating a gigawatt-scale soft-X-ray isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) using HHG. By employing several stabilization methods, we have achieved a stable 50 mJ three-channel optical-waveform synthesizer with a peak power at the multi-TW level. This optical-waveform synthesizer is capable of creating a stable intense optical field for generating an intense continuum harmonic beam thanks to the successful stabilization of all the parameters. Furthermore, the precision control of shot-to-shot reproducible synthesized waveforms is achieved. Through the HHG process employing a loose-focusing geometry, an intense shot-to-shot stable supercontinuum (50–70 eV) is generated in an argon gas cell. This continuum spectrum supports an IAP with a transform-limited duration of 170 as and a submicrojoule pulse energy, which allows the generation of a GW-scale IAP. Another supercontinuum in the soft-X-ray region with higher photon energy of approximately 100–130 eV is also generated in neon gas from the synthesizer. The transform-limited pulse duration is 106 as. Thus, the enhancement of HHG output through optimized waveform synthesis is experimentally proved.

Near-infrared nanospectroscopy using a low-noise supercontinuum source

Abstract: Unlocking the true potential of optical spectroscopy on the nanoscale requires development of stable and low-noise laser sources. Here, we have developed a low-noise supercontinuum (SC) source based on an all-normal dispersion fiber pumped by a femtosecond fiber laser and demonstrate high resolution, spectrally resolved near-field measurements in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Specifically, we explore the reduced-noise requirements for aperture-less scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), including inherent pulse-to-pulse fluctuation of the SC. We use our SC light source to demonstrate the first NIR, spectrally resolved s-SNOM measurement, a situation where state-of-the-art commercial SC sources are too noisy to be useful. We map the propagation of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves on monocrystalline gold platelets in the wavelength region of 1.34–1.75 μm in a single measurement, thereby characterizing experimentally the dispersion curve of the SPP in the NIR. Our results represent a technological breakthrough that has the potential to enable a wide range of new applications of low-noise SC sources in near-field studies.

1.7–18 µm mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in a dispersion-engineered step-index chalcogenide fiber

Abstract: We demonstrate 1.7–18 µm mid-infrared coherent supercontinuum generation by means of the full transmission window of a unique dispersion-engineered step-index Ge-Se-Te fiber. Our study thus opens the entire molecular fingerprint region to future chalcogenide fiber platforms.

10 µJ noise-like pulse generated from all fiberized Tm-doped fiber oscillator and amplifier

Abstract: Herein, we presented a high energy noise-like (NL) pulse Tm-doped fiber laser (TDFL) system. Relying on the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM), stable noise-like pulses with coherence spike width of ∼317 fs and envelope width of ∼4.2 ns were obtained from an all polarization-maintaining fiberized oscillator at central wavelength of ∼1946.4 nm with 3 dB bandwidth of ∼24.9 nm. After the amplification in an all-fiberized TDF amplifier system, the maximum average output power of ∼32.8 W and pulse energy of ∼10.1 µJ were obtained, which represents the highest pulse energy of NL pulse at ∼2 µm, to the best of our knowledge. We believe that the high energy NL pulse source has the potential application in mid-infrared supercontinuum generation.

Perspective on the next generation of ultra-low noise fiber supercontinuum sources and their emerging applications in spectroscopy, imaging, and ultrafast photonics

Abstract: A new generation of ultrafast and low-noise supercontinuum (SC) sources is currently emerging, driven by the constantly increasing demands of spectroscopy, advanced microscopy, and ultrafast photonics applications for highly stable broadband coherent light sources. In this Perspective, we review recent progress enabled by advances in nonlinear optical fiber design, detail our view on the largely untapped potential for noise control in nonlinear fiber optics, and present the noise fingerprinting technique for measuring and visualizing the noise of SC sources with unprecedented detail. In our outlook, we highlight how these SC sources push the boundaries for many spectroscopy and imaging modalities and focus on their role in the development of ultrafast fiber lasers and frequency combs with ultra-low amplitude and phase noise operating in the 2 μm spectral region and beyond in the mid-IR.

Solitary beam propagation in periodic layered Kerr media enables high-efficiency pulse compression and mode self-cleaning.

Abstract: Generating intense ultrashort pulses with high-quality spatial modes is crucial for ultrafast and strong-field science and can be achieved by nonlinear supercontinuum generation (SCG) and pulse compression. In this work, we propose that the generation of quasi-stationary solitons in periodic layered Kerr media can greatly enhance the nonlinear light-matter interaction and fundamentally improve the performance of SCG and pulse compression in condensed media. With both experimental and theoretical studies, we successfully identify these solitary modes and reveal their unified condition for stability. Space-time coupling is shown to strongly influence the stability of solitons, leading to variations in the spectral, spatial and temporal profiles of femtosecond pulses. Taking advantage of the unique characteristics of these solitary modes, we first demonstrate single-stage SCG and the compression of femtosecond pulses from 170 to 22 fs with an efficiency >85%. The high spatiotemporal quality of the compressed pulses is further confirmed by high-harmonic generation. We also provide evidence of efficient mode self-cleaning, which suggests rich spatiotemporal self-organization of the laser beams in a nonlinear resonator. This work offers a route towards highly efficient, simple, stable and highly flexible SCG and pulse compression solutions for state-of-the-art ytterbium laser technology.

Advances in mid-infrared spectroscopy enabled by supercontinuum laser sources

Abstract: Supercontinuum sources are all-fiber pulsed laser-driven systems capable of providing high power spectral densities within ultra-broad spectral ranges. The tailored process of generating broadband, bright, smooth and flat spectral supercontinua -- through a complex interplay of linear and non-linear processes -- has been recently pushed further towards longer wavelengths and has evolved enough to enter the field of mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy. In this work, we review the current state and perspectives of this technology that offers laser-like emission properties and instantaneous broadband spectral coverage comparable to the thermal emitters. We aim to go beyond a literature review, thus, we briefly introduce the basic operation principles of supercontinuum sources, experimentally quantify the inherent emission properties (typical power spectral densities, brightness levels, beam qualities and spectral stability), and identify key competitive advantages of these alternative mid-IR emitters over state-of-the-art technology, such as thermal sources or quantum cascade lasers. The specific features of the supercontinuum radiation provide the prospect of improving well-established techniques in mid-IR spectroscopy as well as triggering developments of novel analytical methods and instrumentation. The review is completed with a structured summary of the up-to-date related progress and applications in various routine mid-IR spectroscopic scenarios that benefit from supercontinuum sources.

Intracavity incoherent supercontinuum dynamics and rogue waves in a broadband dissipative soliton laser.

Abstract: Understanding dynamical complexity is one of the most important challenges in science. Significant progress has recently been made in optics through the study of dissipative soliton laser systems, where dynamics are governed by a complex balance between nonlinearity, dispersion, and energy exchange. A particularly complex regime of such systems is associated with noise-like pulse multiscale instabilities, where sub-picosecond pulses with random characteristics evolve chaotically underneath a much longer envelope. However, although observed for decades in experiments, the physics of this regime remains poorly understood, especially for highly-nonlinear cavities generating broadband spectra. Here, we address this question directly with a combined numerical and experimental study that reveals the physical origin of instability as nonlinear soliton dynamics and supercontinuum turbulence. Real-time characterisation reveals intracavity extreme events satisfying statistical rogue wave criteria, and both real-time and time-averaged measurements are in quantitative agreement with modelling.

A custom-tailored multi-TW optical electric field for gigawatt soft-x-ray isolated attosecond pulses

Abstract: The bottleneck for an attosecond science experiment is concluded to be the lack of a high-peak-power isolated attosecond pulse source. Therefore, currently, generating an intense attosecond pulse would be one of the highest priority goals. In this paper, we review a TW-class parallel three-channel waveform synthesizer for generating a gigawatt-scale soft-x-ray isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) using high-order harmonics generation (HHG). Simultaneously, using several stabilization methods, namely, the low-repetition-rate laser carrier-envelope phase stabilization, Mach-Zehnder interferometer, balanced optical cross-correlator, and beam-pointing stabilizer, we demonstrate a stable 50-mJ three-channel optical-waveform synthesizer with a peak power at the multi-TW level. This optical-waveform synthesizer is capable of creating a stable intense optical field for generating an intense continuum harmonic beam thanks to the successful stabilization of all the parameters. Furthermore, the precision control of shot-to-shot reproducible synthesized waveforms is achieved. Through the HHG process employing a loose-focusing geometry, an intense shot-to-shot stable supercontinuum (50-70 eV) is generated in an argon gas cell. This continuum spectrum supports an IAP with a transform-limited duration of 170 as and a submicrojoule pulse energy, which allows the generation of a GW-scale IAP. Another supercontinuum in the soft-x-ray region with higher photon energy of approximately 100-130 eV is also generated in neon gas from the synthesizer. The transform-limited pulse duration is 106 as. According to this work, the enhancement of HHG output through optimized waveform synthesis is experimentally proved. The high-energy multicycle pulse with 10-Hz repetition rate is proved to have the same controllability for optimized waveform synthesis for HHG as few- or subcycle pulses from a 1-kHz laser.

Single-cycle all-fiber frequency comb

Abstract: Single-cycle pulses with deterministic carrier-envelope phase enable the study and control of light-matter interactions at the sub-cycle timescale, as well as the efficient generation of low-noise multi-octave frequency combs. However, current single-cycle light sources are difficult to implement and operate, hindering their application and accessibility in a wider range of research. In this paper, we present a single-cycle 100 MHz frequency comb in a compact, turn-key, and reliable all-silica-fiber format. This is achieved by amplifying 2 $\mu$m seed pulses in heavily-doped Tm:fiber, followed by cascaded self-compression to yield 6.8 fs pulses with 215 kW peak power and 374 mW average power. The corresponding spectrum covers more than two octaves, from below 700 nm up to 3500 nm. Driven by this single-cycle pump, supercontinuum with 180 mW of integrated power and a smooth spectral amplitude between 2100 and 2700 nm is generated directly in silica fibers. To broaden applications,few-cycle pulses extending from 6 $\mu$m to beyond 22 $\mu$m with long-term stable carrier-envelope phase are created using intra-pulse difference frequency, and electro-optic sampling yields comb-tooth-resolved spectra. Our work demonstrates the first all-fiber configuration that generates single-cycle pulses, and provides a practical source to study nonlinear optics on the same timescale.

Structured laser beams: toward 2-μm femtosecond laser vortices

Abstract: Structured ultrashort-pulse laser beams, and in particular eigenmodes of the paraxial Helmholtz equation, are currently extensively studied for novel potential applications in various fields, e.g., laser plasma acceleration, attosecond science, and fine micromachining. To extend these prospects further, in the present work we push forward the advancement of such femtosecond structured laser sources into the 2-μm spectral region. Ultrashort-pulse Hermite– and Laguerre–Gaussian laser modes both with a pulse duration around 100 fs are successfully produced from a compact solid-state laser in combination with a simple single-cylindrical-lens converter. The negligible beam astigmatism, the broad optical spectra, and the almost chirp-free pulses emphasize the high reliability of this laser source. This work, as a proof of principle study, paves the way toward few-cycle pulse generation of optical vortices at 2 μm. The presented light source can enable new research in the fields of interaction with organic materials, next generation optical detection, and optical vortex infrared supercontinuum.

Mid-infrared nonlinear optical performances of Ge-Sb-S chalcogenide glasses

Abstract: We report a systematical investigation on the mid-infrared nonlinear performances of Ge-Sb-S glasses Laser damage threshold (Ith) of Ge-Sb-S glasses was measured under femtosecond pulsed laser incidence ranging between 155-36 μm It is found that the Ith has the maximum value at stoichiometric composition Moreover, the relationship between the refractive index refractive (n0) and nonlinear refractive indices (n2) was obtained, following the semi-empirical Miller’s rule The n2 shows a nonlinear decay with the increase of wavelength The multi-photon (up to 7-photon) absorption coefficients of Ge-Sb-S glasses were characterized The composition Ge25Sb10S65 with high Ith was selected as the core of the designed fiber A compatible composition Ge25Sb8S67 was chosen as the cladding glass A 10 μm-diameter-core fiber was made via rod-in-tube method By pumping a 10-cm-long fiber at 48 μm with 170 fs (100 kHz) pulses, we achieved a supercontinuum covering the 3–8 μm spectral range It indicates that Ge-Sb-S glass family is a type of environment-friendly host materials for mid-infrared nonlinear applications

On-Chip Detector Based on Supercontinuum Generation in Chalcogenide Waveguide

Abstract: We present the design, preparation, and performance optimization of strip waveguide in chalcogenide glass (ChG) for broadband supercontinuum (SC) generation. Ternary Ge-Sb-S systems possess large band-gap, high refractive index, and strong laser damage resistance. The characterization of strip waveguide in Ge-Sb-S glass for SC source generation with 1300 nm bandwidth is experimentally demonstrated. Sensing capability of the device is validated for optical absorption of β-phenylethylamine solutions near 1551 nm in various concentrations, revealing the repeatability and consistency of the generated SC spectrum in test. The advantages of high specificity detection scheme, scalable integration and ease of miniaturization might make the device a promising platform for biochemical monitoring.