Acousto-optic modulators of high-power laser radiation on the basis of KGW and KYW crystals

Mazur, M. M.; Mazur, L. I.; Sirotkin, A. A.; Ryabinin, A. V.; Shorin, V. N.

doi:10.1070/qel17375

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…Moreover, an acoustic standing wave pattern in acousto-optic modulators is established during a fraction of milliseconds after applying a sinusoidal voltage to the modulator, while the electro-optical modulator's response is essentially faster. Let us also mention the general progress in the development of modern phase and amplitude PCs [41,42], as well as high-speed control electronics [43,44].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Picosecond Pulsed-Periodic High-Peak Power Nd:YAG Laser Operationally Controlled by KTP-Based Pockels Cell

et al. 2022

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Electro-optical modulators are effectively used for ultrafast pulse lasers operation control. The scheme of picosecond pulse-periodic high-peak-power Nd:YAG lasers is composed of an active-passive mode-locked and negative feedback-controlled master oscillator and regenerative amplifier based on common end-diode-pumped Nd:YAG crystal. A double-crystal thermally compensated Pockels cell based on KTP crystals of the Y-cut direction is employed as a key control element. The cell was assembled using a pair of equal-length crystals grown according to high-resistivity technology. The scheme provides output pulses with energy up to 1.6 mJ, a duration of 25 ps at repetition rates tunable from 0 to 200 Hz. The laser operation stages are analyzed in detail. The scheme looks attractive and promising for developing advanced ultrafast laser systems with higher repetition rates, peak and, accordingly, average power levels. The Pockels cell based on KTP crystals expands the line of available fast electro-optical control elements, along with the previously used RTP ones. The factors limiting laser pulse energy and repetition rate are discussed. Parasitic nonlinear conversion in the crystals of the Pockels cell along the axis may play an essential role. The results of comparative measurements of the second and third harmonics made with the Pockels cells based on KTP and RTP crystals of both X-cut and Y-cut directions are presented. The minimum second and third harmonics efficiency levels observed in the Y-cut Pockels cells of the KTP crystal seem to be their important advantage.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Picosecond Pulsed-Periodic High-Peak Power Nd:YAG Laser Operationally Controlled by KTP-Based Pockels Cell

et al. 2022

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Acousto-optic modulation of gigawatt-scale laser pulses in ambient air

Schrödel,

Hartmann,

Zheng

et al. 2023

Nat. Photon.

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Control over the intensity, shape, direction and phase of coherent light is essential in numerous fields, from gravitational wave astronomy, quantum metrology and ultrafast sciences to semiconductor fabrication. Modern photonics, however, can involve parameter regimes where the wavelength or high optical powers involved restrict control due to absorption, light-induced damage or optical nonlinearity in solid media. Here we propose to circumvent these constraints using gaseous media tailored by high-intensity ultrasound waves. We demonstrate an implementation of this approach by efficiently deflecting ultrashort laser pulses using ultrasound waves in ambient air, without the use of transmissive solid media. At optical peak powers of 20 GW, exceeding previous limits of solid-based acousto-optic modulation by about three orders of magnitude, we reach a deflection efficiency greater than 50% while preserving excellent beam quality. Our approach is not limited to laser pulse deflection; gas-phase photonic schemes controlled by sonic waves could potentially be useful for realizing a new class of optical elements such as lenses or waveguides, which are effectively invulnerable against damage and can operate in new spectral regions.

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