Open AccessThe impact of spectral modulations on the contrast of pulses of nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification systems
Author(s) -
Damian N. Schimpf,
Enrico Seise,
Jens Limpert,
Andreas Tünnermann
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.010664
Subject(s) - optics , chirped pulse amplification , ultrashort pulse , pulse (music) , bandwidth limited pulse , nonlinear system , physics , femtosecond pulse shaping , self phase modulation , multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan , pulse shaping , nonlinear optics , pulse compression , laser , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , detector , radar , computer science
A detrimental pulse distortion mechanism inherent to nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification systems is revealed and analyzed. When seeding the nonlinear amplification stage with pulses possessing weak side-pulses, the Kerr-nonlinearity causes a transfer of energy from the main pulse to side pulses. The resulting decrease in pulse contrast is determined by the accumulated nonlinear phase-shift (i.e., the B-integral) and the initial pulse-contrast. The energy transfer can be described by Bessel-functions. Thus, applications relying on a high pulse-contrast demand a low B-integral of the amplification system and a master-oscillator that exhibits an excellent pulse-contrast. In particular, nonlinear fiber CPA-systems operated at B-integrals far beyond pi have to be revised in this context.