Ultrashort-Pulse Laser System: Theory of Operation and Operating Procedures

This report describes the ultrashort-pulse laser system manufactured by Spectra-Physics, Inc., in detail so the system operator can turn on the system, bring it up to operating specifications, and fine-tune the system to give optimum pulsewidth and energypulse output. This report also incorporates the system turn-on procedures developed for the system license and includes greatly expanded optimizing procedures in addition to the theory of operation of each component instrument. The basic system has been configured to operate on a single 4- by 12-ft optical bench. Some diagnostic instruments are also permanently mounted on the bench. Each system component is described in the same order as required to turn on the system and reach stabilized pulses. The theory of operation will be incorporated into this turn-on procedure along with optimizing procedures. Much of the theory of operation was copied verbatim from the instrument manuals provided by Spectra-Physics. Chirping Dye laser Femtoseconds Microjoule Mode locking Picoseconds Pulse compression Ultrashort-pulse laser.