Towards a Compact Thin-Disk-Based Femtosecond XUV Source [Hardcover]

This thesis provides unique information on the Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM) technique applied to a thin-disk laser. It describes in detail cavity geometry, the qualitative approach to KLM, and self-starting behavior in the regime of both negative and positive dispersion. Comprehensive comparative analysis of KLM and semiconductor saturable absorber techniques is also carried out. Recent successful experiments on carrier-envelope phase stabilization, spectral broadening and compression of output of this oscillator underline the importance of this new, emerging technology.This thesis explores the Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM) technique applied to a thin-disk laser, describing in detail cavity geometry, the qualitative approach to KLM and self-starting behavior in the regime of both negative and positive dispersion.Introduction.- Basics of mode-locking.- High-power thin-disk resonator and gain medium.- SESAM mode-locked thin-disk oscillator.- Kerr-lens mode-locked thin-disk oscillator.- Towards ultrashort CE phase stable pulses.- XUV output coupler and XUV/IR grazing-incidence beam splitter.- Conclusion.Oleg Pronin studied physics at MEPhI, Moscow. He conducted his diploma project on plasma diagnostics at ITEP, Moscow. Subsequently, he carried out his dissertation on ultrafast lasers at the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics under the supervision of Prof. Krausz.This thesis provides unique information on the Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM) technique applied to a thin-disk laser. It describes in detail cavity geometry, the qualitative approach to KLM, and self-starting behavior in the regime of both negative and positive dispersion. Comprehensive comparative analysis of KLM and semiconductor saturable absorber techniques is also carried out. Recent successful experiments on carrier-envelope phase stabilization, spectral broadening and compression of output of this oscillator underline the importance of this new, emerging technology.

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