An economical single-shot pulse picker without nonlinear effect and dispersion

Abstract

An economical and stable single-shot pulse picker design without dispersion, nonlinear effect, and limitation on wavelength is proposed. This design is composed of a periodic pulse blocker (PPB), a control unit, and a mechanical shutter. It has successfully been applied to the commercial high-fluence femtosecond laser with 11-mm beam diameter, 2-mJ pulse energy, and 1-kHz repetition rate. Significantly, by incorporating commercial optical choppers equipped with custom-designed chopper blades in the PPB, this design can accommodate lasers with fluences reaching 610 mJ/cm2 and the standard 1 kHz repetition rate typical of high-fluence lasers. Furthermore, the proposed design provides a cost-effective substitute compared to using electro-optic modulators or acousto-optic modulators.