Open AccessCircular versus linear polarization in laser-amplifiers with Kerr-nonlinearity
Author(s) -
Damian N. Schimpf,
Tino Eidam,
Enrico Seise,
Steffen Hädrich,
Jens Limpert,
Andreas Tünnermann
Publication year - 2009
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.17.018774
Subject(s) - optics , circular polarization , kerr effect , physics , linear polarization , polarization (electrochemistry) , laser , amplifier , cross phase modulation , self phase modulation , nonlinear optics , nonlinear system , optoelectronics , phase modulation , phase noise , quantum mechanics , chemistry , cmos , microstrip
In this contribution it is reported that circularly polarized light is advantageous if the Kerr-effect has to be minimized during laser-amplification. The experimental demonstration is based on a fiber CPA-system. The different polarization states result in different B-integrals, which are measured using phase-only pulse-shaping. The theoretical value of 2/3 for the ratio of the B-integrals of circularly and linearly polarized light is experimentally verified. In laser-amplifiers circularly polarized light reduces the detrimental impact of the Kerr-nonlinearity, and thus, increases the peak-power and the self-focussing threshold.