No abstract

Ultrafast laser pulses at mid-infrared wavelengths (2-20 μm) interact strongly with molecules due to the resonance with their vibration modes. This enables their application in frequency comb-based sensing and laser tissue surgery. Fiber lasers are ideal to achieve these pulses, as they are compact, stable, and efficient. We extend the performance of these lasers with the production of 6.4 kW at a wavelength of 2.8 μm with complete electric field retrieval using frequency-resolved optical gating techniques. Contrary to the problems associated with achieving a high average power, fluoride fibers have now shown the capability of operating in the ultrafast, high-peak-power regime.

We report an efficient Q-switched Ho(3+)Pr(3+)-doped fluoride fiber laser, producing a peak power of 77 W, with pulse width of 78 ns. A slope efficiency of 20% with respect to the launched pump power was achieved. A TeO(2) acousto-optic modulator allowed continuous tunability of the pulse repetition frequency from 40 to 300 kHz.