Development of Ultrafast Yb-based Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser for Medical Applications

• Grant number: 23/10504-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Lino Misoguti
• Grantee: Lino Misoguti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Bruno Pereira de Oliveira ; Fatima Maria Mitsue Yasuoka ; Flavio Caldas da Cruz ; Mario Trama Buozzi

Abstract

The aim of this project is to design, assemble, and align a diode-pumped laser cavity using Yb:CALGO and Yb:KGW crystals as gain media and dispersion compensation mirrors, to produce a stable, compact, and cost-effective femtosecond laser compared to other solid-state lasers. The crystals are doped with ytterbium, offering a broadband gain capable of generating pulses in the range of 100 fs. This type of solid-state laser is considered superior to others due to its combination of high gain bandwidth, large cross-sections, and relatively good thermal properties. One advantage is the use of diode lasers for pumping, reducing costs and compacting the system. Additionally, the incorporation of dispersion compensation mirrors allows the generation of stable ultrashort pulses without the need to increase the size and complexity of the cavity. The project's outcome has the potential for industrial applications such as microfabrication and high-precision laser machining, as well as medical applications including ocular, dermatological, and precision surgery. (AU)