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Source: TOPTICA Photonics AG
Tapered Amplifiers in Photonics
Operation Principle
Tapered amplifiers are optical devices that gradually increase the cross-section area of an amplified beam. They are commonly used in semiconductor optical amplifiers, where the input light is injected into a narrow ridge waveguide before entering the taper region. In this region, the width of the beam expands towards the output end while maintaining a high beam quality. By supplying pump current to the device, amplification is achieved through carrier population in the active region.
MOPA Systems with Tapered Amplifiers
Master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) systems often incorporate tapered amplifiers as part of the setup. A seed laser, such as a distributed-feedback laser, provides the initial input, which is then amplified by the tapered amplifier. These systems are commonly used in continuous-wave operation and require components like Faraday isolators to manage feedback.
External-cavity Diode Lasers
Tapered amplifiers can also be integrated into external-cavity diode lasers for applications requiring wavelength tuning or linewidth reduction. By incorporating additional optical elements, such as collimation lenses and diffraction gratings, tunable laser systems can be created using tapered amplifiers.
Frequency Doubling
Frequency doubling is a technique used to reach shorter wavelength regions, and tapered amplifiers facilitate this process due to their high power and beam quality. Resonant frequency doubling or single-pass frequency doubling in a nonlinear waveguide can be employed to achieve desired wavelengths.
Performance and Applications
Tapered semiconductor amplifier systems can deliver several watts of output power with high beam quality and narrow linewidth. These systems are cost-effective and find applications in various fields requiring high-power output with good beam quality, such as materials processing, medical applications, and scientific research.
In conclusion, tapered amplifiers play a crucial role in photonics applications where high-power output, beam quality, and tunability are essential requirements. Their versatility and performance make them valuable components in laser systems across different industries.
Source: Toptica Eagleyard
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