High-power low-noise VCSEL seed laser for fiber laser applications

The properties of high-power and low-noise seed lasers are key for high performance master oscillator-power amplifier (MOPA) fiber-lasers. We have successfully demonstrated high-power and low-noise seed lasers using our VCSEL technology. We used an external-cavity configuration with optimum cavity design for single-mode control, and the mode-beating problem can be fully avoided compared to the edge-emitter seed lasers. The external-cavity VCSEL achieved high-power single-mode pulsed operation with good mode quality that allowed it to be efficiently coupled into a single-mode PM or non-PM fiber. Using high-speed driving electronics, optical pulse widths of 12ns and shorter were obtained with repetition rates of up to 1 MHz. The optical output peak power obtained is over 10 W. We have also demonstrated a CW version of this high-power VCSEL seed laser achieving single transverse and longitudinal mode with an output power of greater than 0.5 W. The high-power external cavity VCSELs were operated in single longitudinal mode demonstrating narrow spectral line-width of 200kHz, and having very low RIN of -155 dBc/Hz at 1MHz, which was even lower at higher frequencies.

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