Direct electro-optic phase control for carrier-envelope offset frequency stabilization in solid-state lasers

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Carrier-envelope offset frequency (f_ceo) stabilization is crucial for mode-locked lasers.
• Current methods using pump power control have limited bandwidth due to gain medium response times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate a novel approach for f_ceo stabilization in solid-state lasers.
• To leverage the linear electro-optic effect for direct control of carrier-envelope phase evolution.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a lithium niobate electro-optic modulator (EOM) in a Kerr-lens mode-locked Cr:ZnS laser.
• Directly controlling carrier-envelope phase evolution via the electro-optic effect.

Main Results:

• EOM-based f_ceo stabilization demonstrated superior performance (6.6 mrad phase noise) compared to pump-modulation (7.6 mrad).
• Identified a bandwidth limitation due to piezoelectric-induced acoustic resonance in the EOM.

Conclusions:

• Electro-optic modulation offers a promising, faster alternative for f_ceo stabilization in solid-state lasers.
• Understanding and mitigating piezoelectric resonances is key for optimizing EOM performance.