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Source: Microdevices Laboratory – NASA
Understanding Seed Lasers and their Applications
Seed lasers play a crucial role in various laser systems, providing the initial source of light that is amplified to achieve high-power laser output. Let’s delve into the characteristics and applications of seed lasers from different manufacturers.
Single Frequency Fiber Lasers
Single frequency fiber lasers are known for their reduced frequency noise, excellent stability, and long coherence length. These lasers have a short cavity design that enhances their performance.
Short Cavity Single Frequency Lasers
Short cavity single frequency lasers, such as those offered by MPBC, are designed with an all-fiber optical cavity architecture. These lasers, available at various wavelengths, are valued for their quality and robustness. They utilize active stabilization techniques like Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking for frequency stabilization and offer wavelength tunability through temperature and piezo control.
Applications of Seed Lasers
Seed lasers are used in conjunction with amplifiers to increase output power while maintaining critical parameters like narrow linewidth, reduced frequency noise, and long coherence lengths. They find applications in seeding bulk amplifier chains, fiber amplifiers, and high-power single-frequency pulsed Q-switched lasers for holographic and interferometric applications.
Other Types of Seed Lasers
Besides single frequency fiber lasers, there are options like picosecond pulse diode lasers for seeding amplifiers and femtosecond fiber lasers known for their user-friendliness and robustness. These lasers cater to scientific research needs and OEM integration.
Ultrafast Laser Offerings
Companies like Thorlabs offer a range of ultrafast lasers covering a broad spectral range. Their femtosecond and picosecond laser products, along with ultrafast optics, serve applications from nonlinear excitation to supercontinuum generation.
VALO Series Ultrafast Fiber Lasers
The VALO Series of ultrafast fiber lasers stands out for their design, offering very short femtosecond pulses and high peak powers in a compact solution. These lasers, with pulse durations of less than 50 fs, are ideal for multiphoton imaging and advanced spectroscopy applications.
Conclusion
Seed lasers are essential components in laser systems, enabling the generation of high-power laser output with desired characteristics. Understanding the different types of seed lasers and their applications can help in selecting the right laser source for specific needs.
Source: Wuhan Shengshi Optical Technology Co., Ltd.
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