Experimental Guide for Compact Bow-Tie Femtosecond Solid-State Laser Development

Author(s)

Pinto, Vinicius Pereira ; Nogueira, Giovana Trevisan ; Yasuoka, Fatima Maria Mitsue ; Neto, Jarbas Caiado de Castro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHOTONICS; v. 12, n. 6, p. 19-pg., 2025-05-29.

Abstract

Bow-tie cavity configurations have gained significant attention due to their efficacy in facilitating stable resonator operation for applications requiring short pulse operation and high repetition rate pulses, offering versatility and reliability. While there is an extensive body of literature addressing the theoretical aspects and applications of this laser configuration, there exists a gap in practical insights and systematic approaches guidance pertaining to the development and precision alignment of this laser type. The paper achieves this by compiling a range of analytical and optimization techniques for the bow-tie cavity configuration and delineating the necessary steps for the optimization required for continuous wave operation. This ultimately leads to the attainment of the pulsed regime through the Kerr Lens Mode-locking technique, offering a detailed account of the development, optimization, and performance evaluation of a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser cavity, using dispersion-compensating mirrors to produce a low-energy pulse of 1 nJ, a high repetition rate of 1 GHz, and a short pulse duration of 61 fs. This work can be useful for researchers and engineers seeking to embark on the development of compact and high-performance femtosecond lasers for a spectrum of applications, encompassing biomedical imaging, laser-assisted surgery, spectroscopy, and optical frequency combs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 15/15990-1 - Development of a colored graving and marking system of femtoseconds Ti:sapphire laser through the formation of nanostructures (ripples) on the surface of various materials
• Grantee: Fatima Maria Mitsue Yasuoka
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 21/08202-8 - Otimização da cavidade em anel de ti: Safira femtossegundos utilizando tecnologia chirped mirror coating
• Grantee: Vinícius Pereira Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation