Source: Technologie-Lizenz-Büro (TLB) der Baden-Württembergischen Hochschulen GmbH
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Seed Lasers: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Seed lasers are crucial components in laser systems, providing the initial seed for amplification in various applications such as scientific research, biophotonics, and industrial processes. This article provides an in-depth look at seed lasers, their features, and applications.

Fiber-Coupled Seed Laser Diodes

Fiber-coupled seed laser diodes emit at wavelengths like 1030 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm. They can be used with CW or pulsed laser diode drivers, offering high-speed nanosecond pulses with powers up to 500 mW. These lasers are optimized for single-shot to CW performance with pulse widths as short as 1 ns.

Single Frequency Fiber Lasers

Single frequency fiber lasers are known for their reduced frequency noise, stability, and long coherence length. They are designed with short cavities to achieve these characteristics.

Short Cavity Single Frequency Lasers

Short cavity single frequency lasers from MPBC cover wavelengths from 910 nm to 1300 nm. These lasers feature all-fiber optical cavities and are mechanically isolated for quality and robustness. Active stabilization techniques like PDH locking ensure frequency stability, with wavelength tunability through temperature and piezo control.

Single Frequency Amplifiers

MPBC also offers single frequency amplifiers that can be paired with seed lasers to boost output power while maintaining critical parameters like narrow linewidth and long coherence lengths.

Ultrafast Fiber Lasers

TOPTICA’s ultrafast fiber lasers, such as the “FemtoFiber smart” series, come in picosecond or femtosecond versions based on ytterbium-doped or erbium-doped architectures. These lasers find applications in seed laser functions, biophotonics, terahertz generation, and more.

VALO Series of Ultrafast Fiber Lasers

The VALO series offers ultrafast fiber lasers with pulse durations below 50 fs, peak powers up to 2 W, very low noise, and integrated dispersion pre-compensation modules. These lasers are ideal for multiphoton imaging and advanced spectroscopy applications.

Femtosecond Fiber Lasers

Menlo Systems’ femtosecond fiber lasers, based on patented technology, are user-friendly and robust. They cater to scientific research and OEM integration needs, offering solutions for seeding amplifiers and generating high-power laser radiation at various wavelengths.

Picosecond Pulse Diode Lasers

ALPHALAS provides picosecond pulse diode lasers suitable for seeding fiber and regenerative amplifiers for various applications.

Ultrafast Lasers by Thorlabs

Thorlabs offers a wide range of ultrafast lasers covering applications from nonlinear excitation to supercontinuum generation. Their femtosecond and picosecond laser options, along with related optics and measurement tools, cater to diverse research and industrial needs.

Source: Laser 2000
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