Publications

A multistage cryogenic chirped pulse amplifier has been developed, utilizing two different Yb-doped gain materials in subsequent amplifier stages. A Yb:GSAG regenerative amplifier followed by a Yb:YAG power amplifier is able to deliver pulses with a broader bandwidth than a system using only one of these two gain media throughout...

We demonstrate a 149 W Yb:LiYF4 laser with diffraction-limitation beam quality at 995 nm. The laser, Q-switched at 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency, produces linearly polarized 52 ns pulses with a slope efficiency of 73%. The combination of cryogenic cooling and a low (3.5%) quantum defect results in minimal thermo-optic...

We present a high-repetition-frequency, diode-pumped, and chirped-pulse amplification system operating at 106 W average output with excellent beam quality (M^2 = 1.3), based on cryogenically cooled Yb:YLF. 1 nJ seed pulses, derived from a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser, are first amplified to 1 mJ pulse energy at 10 kHz repetition frequency...

We review recent progress in pulsed lasers using cryogenically-cooled Yb3+ -doped gain media, with an emphasis on high average power. Recent measurements of thermo-optic properties for various host material at both room and cryogenic temperature are presented, including themral conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and refractive index. Host materials reviewed...