Temporal synchronization and spectral combining of pulses from fiber lasers Q-switched by independent MEMS micro-mirrors

Opt Express. 2012 Sep 24;20(20):22895-901. doi: 10.1364/OE.20.022895.

Abstract

We present what we believe to be the first demonstration of spectral combining of multiple fiber lasers Q-switched by independent micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). By correlating the actuation of the individual MEMS devices, the associated Q-switched lasers can be operated in either synchronous or asynchronous modes in such a way that their overall combined output may result in high energy emission pulses or in laser emission with higher pulse repetition rate. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we demonstrate the combination of four individual Q-switched lasers (each of them operating at 20 kHz repetition rate) leading to a final laser system generating pulses with a repetition rate of 80 kHz.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Fiber Optic Technology / instrumentation*
  • Lasers*
  • Lenses*
  • Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / instrumentation*
  • Miniaturization