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Understanding Peak Power in Photonics

What is Peak Power?

Peak power refers to the maximum optical power reached by a light pulse. In photonics, due to the short durations of optical pulses, peak powers can be extremely high even with moderate pulse energies.

Examples of Peak Power

For instance, a pulse energy of 1 millijoule in a 10-femtosecond pulse can result in a peak power of around 100 gigawatts. Focusing such a pulse to a small spot can lead to peak intensities of an astonishing order.

Measurement of Peak Power

For longer pulses, peak power can be directly measured with devices like a photodiode. However, for very short pulses, the peak power is often calculated using the pulse duration and pulse energy. Different pulse shapes require specific conversion factors for accurate calculations.

Ambiguities in Peak Power

The definition of peak power can be ambiguous as it relies on the temporal resolution of power measurements. Factors like mode beating in Q-switched lasers can affect the accurate determination of peak power.

Conclusion

Understanding peak power in photonics is crucial for various applications, from laser technology to telecommunications. It involves handling high power levels and considering different factors that can influence power measurements.

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