Femtosecond fiber lasers with pulse energies above $10\mathrm{nJ}$

Abstract

A series of experiments aimed at determining the maximum pulse energy that can be produced by a femtosecond fiber laser is reported. Exploiting modes of pulse propagation that avoid wave breaking in a Yb fiber laser allows pulse energies up to $14\mathrm{nJ}$ to be achieved. The pulses can be dechirped to sub-$100\text{-}\mathrm{fs}$ duration to produce peak powers that reach $100\mathrm{kW}$. The limitations to the maximum pulse energy are discussed.

© 2005 Optical Society of America