Efficient and compact source of tuneable ultrafast deep ultraviolet laser pulses at 50 kHz repetition rate
Layout of the light source. A commercial laser emits 200 µJ, 220 fs pulses at 1030 nm at a repetition rate of 50 kHz. These are compressed to 13 fs duration by spectral broadening in a first gas-filled HCF and dispersion compensation by chirped mirrors (CMs) and a wedge pair. A half-wave plate (λ/2) and two reflective polarisers (Pol) form a variable attenuator. DUV pulses are generated in a second HCF filled with helium.
Abstract
Deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser pulses with tuneable wavelength and very short duration are a key enabling technology for next-generation technology and ultrafast science. Their generation has been the subject of extensive experimental effort, but no technique demonstrated thus far has been able to meet all requirements in one light source. Here we demonstrate a bright, efficient, and compact source of tuneable DUV ultrafast laser pulses based on resonant dispersive wave emission in hollow capillary fiber. In a total footprint of only 120cm×75cm, including the ytterbium-based drive laser, we generate pulses between 208nm and 363nm at 50kHz repetition rate with a total efficiency of up to 3.6%. Down-scaling of the DUV generation reduces the required energy sufficiently to enable the generation of two-color few-femtosecond DUV pulses.
Christian Brahms
Associate Professor
