Hybrid bulk/fibre MOPA system based on Yb:KYW laser

In the present work we present results of studies of hybrid sub-picosecond systems based on a solid-state Yb:KYW laser and a side-pumped fibre ytterbium amplifier manufactured using GTWave technology, which makes it possible to remove completely from the fibre amplification path any discrete optical elements. When the system was pumped with 12 W of CW radiation at 980 nm 0.9-ps output pulses with energy 40 nJ were generated at the repetition frequency of 100 MHz and the average radiation power 4 W. The centre wavelength of the system could be detuned within 1035-1055 nm (pulsed mode) and 1030-1070 nm (CW mode). Details are given of the layout of the femtosecond Yb:KYW laser developed with the use of saturable absorber mirror and chirped mirrors. For the first time gain coefficients of fibre GTWave Yb amplifier were measured within the generation range of the Yb:KYW laser. The developed system is a promising source of controlled super-continuum radiation, since the radiation pulse wavelength may be tuned around the zero dispersion wavelength of standard holey fibres (1040 nm) designed for super-continuum generation when pumped in this spectral range.