Misalignment-free, Kerr-lens-modelocked Yb:Y2O3 2.2-GHz oscillator, amplified by a semiconductor optical amplifier

Abstract

We present a fully bonded, misalignment-free, diode-pumped Yb:ceramic (Yb:Y2O3) oscillator producing 190-fs pulses at a repetition frequency of 2.185 GHz. Self-starting Kerr-lens-modelocked operation was obtained from both outputs of the ring cavity with an average combined output power of 14–30 mW for pump powers from 380–670 mW. The fully bonded design provided self-starting, turnkey operation, with a relative intensity noise of 0.025% from 1 Hz–1 MHz. Tuning of the pulse repetition rate over a 120 kHz range was demonstrated for a 2°C change in temperature. Chirped-pulse amplification in a semiconductor optical amplifier was shown to increase the pulse average power to 69 mW and the pulse energy (peak power) from 2.5 pJ (12 W) to 32 pJ (71 W).