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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.
List of contents
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.
About the author
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.
Summary
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.
