Publications

Amplitude noise suppression in Yb:doped NALM oscillators utilizing saturable absorber settings

Author(s)
Vito F. Pecile, Aline S. Mayer, Jonas K.C. Ballentin, Oliver H. Heckl
Abstract

Optical frequency combs based on fiber lasers mode-locked (ML) with a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) have become the backbone of many cutting-edge applications, ranging from precision spectroscopy to quantum physics. Being extremely precise measurement tools, understanding their passive stability and low-noise operation regimes is vital. While several influences on the laser noise have been studied, many parameters remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically analyze under which preconditions the artificial saturable absorber settings of the laser can be modified during operation without losing mode-locking and the effects on laser noise, the spectrum and the output power. Our results show that it is possible to decrease the amplitude noise (AM noise) of the laser by more than 50% by simply rotating a wave plate within the laser cavity. Additionally, we discuss differences to a similar effect observed in a NALM-alike laser amplifier and of changing the output coupling. These findings deepen our understanding and capabilities of optimizing the noise performance of ML fiber lasers, enable us to investigate new parameter spaces, and can be used to further optimize the noise performance of the NALM laser design, making it an ideal light source for advanced setups both in research and industry.

Organisation(s)
Faculty Center for Nano Structure Research
Journal
Optics Express
Volume
31
Pages
36824-36835
No. of pages
12
ISSN
1094-4087
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.501997
Publication date
10-2023
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
103021 Optics
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/amplitude-noise-suppression-in-ybdoped-nalm-oscillators-utilizing-saturable-absorber-settings(b2624939-29de-4978-b0a4-7dc9439c70e8).html