Experimental and Numerical Optimisation of a SESAM Mode-locked Holmium Fibre Laser

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorVeitch, Peter
dc.contributor.advisorGanija, Miftar
dc.contributor.advisorBoyd, Keiron
dc.contributor.authorKolovinos, Alexandros
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciencesen
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractThe infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum is an attractive prospect for a variety of pulsed laser applications, including biomedical surgery and imaging, defence, metrology and attosecond science, environmental detection, and range-finding. The aim of this research is to develop a robust, stable, benchtop fibre-based laser source in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum, capable of producing picosecond to femtosecond pulses. This thesis utilises a semiconductor-based absorber to create pulses in concert with various linear and nonlinear optical effects in fibre. To best optimise the laser source, a multi-step approach utilising both numerical MATLAB modelling in concert with experimental techniques. Firstly, over a half-dozen cavity designs were simulated, assembled, and tested, with each utilising alternate combinations and ordering of various fibre laser components to achieve optimal pulse-to-pulse stability, time duration and spectral quality. From these experimental results, the most optimal design was chosen and was fully characterised, in addition to a single pass pumped holmium fibre amplifier. This laser produced 2.92 ps pulses at a 20 MHz repetition rate, with a central wavelength of 2029.1 nm and a 3 dB bandwidth of 4 nm at an average power of 20.3 mW. Lastly, pulse dispersion was optimised using a length of dispersion compensating fibre (DCF). An estimate for the required dispersion compensation was calculated, numerically simulated, and then experimentally implemented via fusion splicing 13 m of DCF and cutting back in 1 m increments, characterising the laser at each length. This process was repeated using 20 cm increments. The optimal length for pulse duration was found to be 7.2 m, where the laser produced 494 fs pulses, and minimised pulse-to-pulse instability indicated by the radio frequency spectrum.en
dc.description.dissertationThesis (MPhil) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, 2023en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/137475
dc.language.isoenen
dc.provenanceThis electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalsen
dc.subjectlasersen
dc.subjectpulsed lasersen
dc.subjectpicosecond lasersen
dc.subjectfemtosecond lasersen
dc.subjectfibreen
dc.subjectinfrareden
dc.subjectnonlinear opticsen
dc.subjectring cavityen
dc.titleExperimental and Numerical Optimisation of a SESAM Mode-locked Holmium Fibre Laseren
dc.typeThesisen

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
Kolovinos2022_MPhil.pdf
Size:
21 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download

Collections

Research Theses