Anti-Stoked fluorescence pumping for cooling single-frequency fiber lasers
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Mittuniversitetet - Mittuniversitetet Inst för Elektronikkonstruktion |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2022 - September 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Individual mobility and increased attraction value for research-based competence |
| Call | Mobility for innovation, learning and knowledge exchange 2022 |
Important results from the project
The project increased scientific impact in optical cooling thorough investigations of specialty Yb-doped optical fibers and high-accuracy fiber temperature sensors. This result culminated with the development of laboratory prototypes of radiation-balanced (or athermal) fiber lasers and amplifiers. The project involved effective international collaborations, fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge and promoting Mid Sweden University’s internationalization.
Expected long term effects
This project created an efficient radiation-balanced Yb-doped fiber laser with a record output power (nearly 200 mW), as well as the world´s first single-frequency radiation-balanced fiber amplifier. This was achieved by increasing the absolute accuracy of a custom slow-light temperature sensor, then testing many custom fibers, and optimizing the laser/amplifier itself (fiber length in particular). These advances are expected to benefit fields reliant on high-purity, high-power light, like laser fusion, gravity-wave detection, microwave photonics, and advanced metrology
Approach and implementation
The project had a clear structure and good planning of the resource allocation and technical development. The results showcased effective collaborations and milestones in the development of (1) specialty fibers with record-high Yb doping, (2) a temperature sensor with enhanced precision, and (3) radiation-balanced fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers. Challenges were overcome through innovative solutions, and valuable lessons were gathered for future projects.