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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Ultra-narrow-linewidth hybrid-integrated self-injection locked laser at 780 nm

Narrow-linewidth lasers are essential across a wide range of applications, including classical and quantum sensing, trapped ion systems, position/navigation/timing systems, optical clocks, and microwave frequency synthesizers. In the visible and near-visible spectrum, low-noise lasers are particularly important for laser trapping and cooling techniques, which are vital for trapped ion quantum computing, sensing, and atomic clocks. In this context, our work showcases a hybrid-integrated narrow-linewidth laser that operates at 780 nm, achieving a self-heterodyne linewidth of 105 Hz. To validate the experimental results, we performed a numerical analysis that combines insights from a many-body theory applied to the gain region with a travelling-wave model to capture the laser dynamics. Our investigation further delves into how the linewidth of the self-injection locked lasers is influenced by the parameters of micro-ring resonators, aiming to assess the potential for achieving Hz-level integrated laser linewidths at 780 nm. This work not only demonstrates the technical feasibility of Hz-level narrow-linewidth lasers but also lays the groundwork for future explorations in the field.

Prokoshin, Artem (ORCID:0009000699760238)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Linewidth narrowing in self-injection locked lasers: Effects of quantum confinement

This paper explores the impact of gain medium on linewidth narrowing in integrated self-injection locked III–V/SiN lasers, theoretically and experimentally. We focus on the effects of carrier densities of states in zero- and two-dimensional structures due to quantum-dot and quantum-well confinement. The theoretical approach includes (a) multimode laser interaction to treat mode competition and wave mixing, (b) quantum-optical contributions from spontaneous emission, and (c) composite laser/free-space eigenmodes to describe outcoupling and coupling among components within an extended cavity. For single-cavity lasers, such as distributed feedback lasers, the model reproduces the experimentally observed better linewidth performance of quantum-dot active regions over quantum-well ones. When applied to integrated III–V/SiN lasers, our analysis indicates Hz-level linewidth performance for both quantum-dot and quantum-well gain media due to overcoming the difference in carrier-induced refractive index by incorporating a high-Q SiN passive resonator. Trade-offs are also explored between linewidth, output power, and threshold current.

Cavity quantum electrodynamics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Implementing a Laser Stabilization System for Trapping Ca+ Ions: an Internship Reflection

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I contributed to a project developing 3D printed micro ion traps for quantum computing. I designed, implemented, and assessed a laser stabilization system that locked lasers to the frequencies required for calibrating our High Finesse WS8-10 wavelength meter and for laser cooling and trapping of Ca+ ions. I also programmed a Python interface for hardware communication, data collection, and statistical analysis. Additionally, I optimized and aligned laser beam paths, and I implemented a closed digital feedback loop using Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) control parameters. I analyzed both the long-term and short-term behavior of our locked lasers and adjusted PID parameters to enhance performance. Furthermore, I used COMSOL to simulate the capacitance of a linear Paul trap design and predict our trap’s performance. The procedures I developed for the interface, analysis, and simulations will continue to support the ion trapping experiment after my appointment. I strengthened my skills in data analysis, Python coding, and optical alignment for laser systems. My confidence as a researcher grew, particularly in communicating my research. This experience taught me the importance of careful planning and consideration in research and solidified my desire to continue exploring novel quantum technology as an undergraduate

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ultranarrow bandwidth pulses from a regeneratively mode-locked fiber laser

We report on the generation of transform-limited nanosecond pulse with an ultranarrow bandwidth from a regeneratively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser. A narrow bandwidth fiber Bragg grating is combined with a bulk amplitude electro-optic modulator to shape pulse evolution inside a ring cavity, and regenerative mode locking is applied to produce a stationary shape of pulses in the nanosecond regime (2.05 ns in duration). Spectral characterization via high bandwidth optoelectronic devices shows that optical pulses have an ultranarrow bandwidth of 220 MHz. Numerical simulation reveals that the shape of the narrow spectral filter has a strong effect on the duration and bandwidth of output pulses.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Joint Experimental and Computational Characterization of Sum-Frequency Generation between a Continuous Wave Laser and an Ultrafast Frequency Comb Laser for Tunable Laser Development

Ultrafast optical frequency combs allow for both high spectral and temporal resolution in molecular spectroscopy and have become a powerful tool in many areas of chemistry and physics. Ultrafast lasers and frequency combs generated from ultrafast mode-locked lasers often need to be converted to other wavelengths. Commonly used wavelength conversions are optical parametric oscillators, which require an external optical cavity, and supercontinuum generation combined with optical parametric amplifiers. Whether commercial or home-built, these systems are complex and costly. Here, we investigate an alternative, simple, and easy-to-implement approach to tunable frequency comb ultrafast lasers enabled by new continuous-wave laser technology. Sum-frequency generation between an Nd:YAG continuous-wave laser and a Yb:fiber femtosecond frequency comb in a beta-barium borate (BBO) crystal is explored. The resulting sum-frequency beam is a pulsed frequency comb with the same repetition rate as the Yb:fiber source. SNLO simulation software is used to simulate the results and provide benchmarks for designing future systems to achieve wavelength conversion and tunability in otherwise difficult-to-reach spectral regions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Efficiency Quantum Dot Lasers as Comb Sources for DWDM Applications

The trend of data center transceivers is to increase bandwidth while simultaneously decreasing their size, power consumption, and cost. While data center links have previously relied on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) or in-plane lasers using coarse wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to encode data, recently, dense WDM (DWDM) has moved to the forefront for next-generation links. Several approaches exist as light sources for DWDM links; DFB arrays, nonlinear microcombs, and semiconductor mode-locked lasers (MLLs). This paper focuses on quantum dot MLLs (QDMLLs), which currently offer the best efficiency, simplicity, and size. The efficiency of optical combs generated by QDMLLs is analyzed in depth in this study.

Dumont, Mario (ORCID:000000023956612X)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Precision ultranarrow-linewidth resonance excitation (PURE) preparation of a molecular beam of nitric oxide molecules for inelastic scattering with argon

We recently reported a novel technique that utilizes narrow-linewidth lasers to selectively excite molecules into a pure quantum state with a well-resolved, tunable distribution of velocities [O. A. Krohn and D. W. Chandler, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 15(50), 12455–12463 (2024)]. We refer to the preparation of molecules by this technique as precision ultranarrow-linewidth resonant excitation (PURE) preparation. Here, in this study, we pair this PURE preparation methodology with active frequency stabilization of the quantum cascade laser that drives the excitation. In doing so, highly velocity-resolved packets of molecules are possible, with the limitations of this velocity resolution set by the stability of the laser locking and the spectral linewidth of the transition. We show that side-of-fringe locking to a Doppler-broadened absorption spectrum of our target molecule is sufficiently stable for PURE preparation of molecules for long timescales (several hours) with highly resolved velocity spreads (σ < 3 m/s). To demonstrate the scientific utility of this new capability, we present differential cross sections from scattering between a neat molecular beam of argon and a velocity-selected beam of nitric oxide (NO) in a pure quantum state. We observe well-resolved quantum diffraction oscillations in the forward-scattered collisions as well as general trends consistent with prior characterized collisions of NO + Ar.

Krohn, Olivia A. [Sandia National Laboratories (SN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phase retrieval and reconstruction of coherent synthesis by genetic algorithm

Abstract In the context of diffractive optics, phase retrieval is a heavily investigated process of recreating an entire complex electric field from partial amplitude-only information through iterative algorithms. However, existing methods can fall into local minima during reconstructions or struggle to recover unusual and novel electric field distributions. We present a numerical method based on a global-optimization genetic algorithm that reconstructs non-trivial electric field distributions from single diffracted intensity distributions. Diffraction and propagation of the optical fields over arbitrary distances is modeled through implementation of the angular spectrum technique. Additionally, a coherently-locked laser array system is used as an experimental case-study demonstrating 0.09 π phase reconstruction accuracy of initial laser parameters from single intensity images.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of high throughput light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for 3D functional imaging of metabolic pathways in plant and microorganisms (Final Technical Report)

This research program will enable new biochemical contrast in the nanosecond lifetime domain through use of the recently demonstrated electro-optic fluorescence lifetime imaging technique (EO-FLIM) for wide-field lifetime imaging. The Stanford/Stanford Linear Accelerator Center multidisciplinary collaboration -- physics, applied physics, and structural biology -- will develop a light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope for functional studies of microbial and plant metabolic pathways and dynamic interactions between plants and microorganisms in the rhizosphere. The proposed approach overcomes the imaging time bottleneck associated with existing fluorescence lifetime imaging methods. Initial demonstrations have shown a factor of 100,000 improvement in photon throughput compared to existing methods. High photon efficiency allowed the first wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging of single molecules. Recent work has improved the technique’s repetition rate to enable compatibility with mode-locked lasers and demonstrated the combination of wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging with super-resolution localization microscopy, observations of single molecule dynamics, and observation of donor lifetime quenching in single-molecule imaging. These results were achieved on standard camera sensors and would not have been possible with other wide-field approaches. The throughput and photon economy of the EO-FLIM method enables new BER-relevant imaging opportunities. In particular, scanned single- and two-photon light-sheet excitation will be used to achieve volumetric imaging with time-domain contrast.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Turnkey locking of quantum-dot lasers directly grown on Si

Ultralow-noise laser sources are crucial for a variety of applications, including microwave synthesizers, optical gyroscopes and the manipulation of quantum systems. Silicon photonics has emerged as a promising solution for high-coherence applications due to its ability to reduce the system size, weight, power consumption and cost. Semiconductor lasers based on self-injection locking have achieved fibre laser coherence, but typically require a high-quality-factor external cavity to suppress coherence collapse through frequency-selective feedback. Lasers based on external-cavity locking are a low-cost and turnkey operation option, but their coherence is generally inferior to self-injection locking lasers. In this work, we demonstrate quantum-dot lasers grown directly on Si that achieve self-injection-locking laser coherence under turnkey external-cavity locking. The high-performance quantum-dot laser offers a scalable and low-cost heteroepitaxial integration platform. Moreover, the chaos-free nature of the quantum-dot laser enables a 16 Hz Lorentzian linewidth under external-cavity locking using a low-quality-factor external cavity, and improves the frequency noise by an additional order of magnitude compared with conventional quantum-well lasers.

Dong, Bozhang↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ultrafast Laser Pulse Generation by Mode Locking: MATLAB-Based Demonstrations

Ultrafast laser spectroscopy is a valuable and increasingly accessible technique for studies of rapid chemical reactions. Critical to ultrafast spectroscopy is the concept of mode locking, a technique that enables a fixed phase relationship between laser modes, resulting in laser pulses with very short duration (in the fs or ps range). Despite the increasing importance of ultrafast lasers in chemistry, the introduction of key concepts behind their operation into the undergraduate and graduate chemistry coursework has been limited. To help the incorporation of these topics into chemistry courses, we report here a hands-on activity that helps students develop an intuitive understanding of the factors that impact electromagnetic wave evolution in optical cavities and the process of mode locking. We first provide the theoretical background by introducing cavity modes and contrasting them with well-known propagating electromagnetic waves. We then explore what happens when modes are added and how the relative phase between the modes affects their behavior. In the second section of this report, three teaching modules are provided, along with associated MATLAB codes and animated images, that can be used in the classroom to introduce concepts of cavity modes and mode locking. These teaching modules start by contrasting propagating electromagnetic waves with cavity modes and then illustrate what happens when multiple modes are present in the cavity and how the relative phase between the modes affects the overall electromagnetic field in the cavity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Linewidth narrowing in self-injection-locked on-chip lasers

Abstract Stable laser emission with narrow linewidth is of critical importance in many applications, including coherent communications, LIDAR, and remote sensing. In this work, the physics underlying spectral narrowing of self-injection-locked on-chip lasers to Hz-level lasing linewidth is investigated using a composite-cavity structure. Heterogeneously integrated III–V/SiN lasers operating with quantum-dot and quantum-well active regions are analyzed with a focus on the effects of carrier quantum confinement. The intrinsic differences are associated with gain saturation and carrier-induced refractive index, which are directly connected with 0- and 2-dimensional carrier densities of states. Results from parametric studies are presented for tradeoffs involved with tailoring the linewidth, output power, and injection current for different device configurations. Though both quantum-well and quantum-dot devices show similar linewidth-narrowing capabilities, the former emits at a higher optical power in the self-injection-locked state, while the latter is more energy-efficient. Lastly, a multi-objective optimization analysis is provided to optimize the operation and design parameters. For the quantum-well laser, minimizing the number of quantum-well layers is found to decrease the threshold current without significantly reducing the output power. For the quantum-dot laser, increasing the quantum-dot layers or density in each layer increases the output power without significantly increasing the threshold current. These findings serve to guide more detailed parametric studies to produce timely results for engineering design.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Silicon nitride stress-optic microresonator modulator for optical control applications

Modulation-based control and locking of lasers, filters and other photonic components is a ubiquitous function across many applications that span the visible to infrared (IR), including atomic, molecular and optical (AMO), quantum sciences, fiber communications, metrology, and microwave photonics. Today, modulators used to realize these control functions consist of high-power bulk-optic components for tuning, sideband modulation, and phase and frequency shifting, while providing low optical insertion loss and operation from DC to 10s of MHz. In order to reduce the size, weight and cost of these applications and improve their scalability and reliability, modulation control functions need to be implemented in a low loss, wafer-scale CMOS-compatible photonic integration platform. The silicon nitride integration platform has been successful at realizing extremely low waveguide losses across the visible to infrared and components including high performance lasers, filters, resonators, stabilization cavities, and optical frequency combs. Yet, progress towards implementing low loss, low power modulators in the silicon nitride platform, while maintaining wafer-scale process compatibility has been limited. Here we report a significant advance in integration of a piezo-electric (PZT, lead zirconate titanate) actuated micro-ring modulation in a fully-planar, wafer-scale silicon nitride platform, that maintains low optical loss (0.03 dB/cm in a 625 µm resonator) at 1550 nm, with an order of magnitude increase in bandwidth (DC - 15 MHz 3-dB and DC - 25 MHz 6-dB) and order of magnitude lower power consumption of 20 nW improvement over prior PZT modulators. The modulator provides a >14 dB extinction ratio (ER) and 7.1 million quality-factor (Q) over the entire 4 GHz tuning range, a tuning efficiency of 162 MHz/V, and delivers the linearity required for control applications with 65.1 dB·Hz 2/3 and 73.8 dB·Hz 2/3 third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) at 1 MHz and 10 MHz respectively. We demonstrate two control applications, laser stabilization in a Pound-Drever Hall (PDH) lock loop, reducing laser frequency noise by 40 dB, and as a laser carrier tracking filter. This PZT modulator design can be extended to the visible in the ultra-low loss silicon nitride platform with minor waveguide design changes. This integration of PZT modulation in the ultra-low loss silicon nitride waveguide platform enables modulator control functions in a wide range of visible to IR applications such as atomic and molecular transition locking for cooling, trapping and probing, controllable optical frequency combs, low-power external cavity tunable lasers, quantum computers, sensors and communications, atomic clocks, and tunable ultra-low linewidth lasers and ultra-low phase noise microwave synthesizers.

Wang, Jiawei (ORCID:0000000257965220)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mean-field equation for phase-modulated optical parametric oscillator

The widely established techniques for the generation of ultrashort optical pulses rely on passive mode locking of lasers, with the output pulse duration and emission spectrum determined by the intrinsic lifetime of laser transition in the gain medium. Due to the instantaneous nature of nonlinear gain, optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are capable of generating optical radiation in all timescales from continuous-wave (cw) to ultrashort femtosecond regime, if driven by laser pump sources in the corresponding time domain. In the ultrashort timescale, operation of OPOs conventionally relies on mode-locked pump lasers, with the concomitant disadvantages of large footprint and high cost. At the same time, the lack of gain storage mandates the use of synchronous pumping, resulting in increased complexity. In this paper, we present the concept of phase-modulated OPO driven by cw pump laser. The approach overcomes the traditional drawbacks of ultrafast OPOs, enabling femtosecond pulse generation without the need for synchronous pumping, resulting in a simplified, compact, and cost-effective architecture using cw input pump lasers. We derive a mean-field equation for a degenerate χ ( 2 ) OPO driven by a cw laser with intracavity electro-optic modulator (EOM), and also including dispersion compensation. The equation predicts the formation of stable femtosecond pulses ( < 200 fs ) , in both normal and anomalous dispersion regimes, with a controllable repetition rate determined by the frequency of the EOM. The remarkable functionality of the proposed scheme paves the way for the development of an alternative class of widely tunable coherent femtosecond light sources in both bulk and integrated format based on χ ( 2 ) OPOs using cw pump lasers. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Sanchez, A. D. (ORCID:0000000327630339)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spectral shaping of an ultrafast ytterbium fiber laser via a passive intracavity optical filter: a simple and reliable route to sub-45 fs pulses

We investigate the use of passive intracavity optical filters for controlling the laser output spectrum of a polarization-mode-locked, ultrafast ytterbium fiber laser. The overall lasing bandwidth is increased or extended by strategic choice of the filter cutoff frequency. Overall laser performance, including pulse compression and intensity noise, is investigated for both shortpass and longpass filters with a range of cutoff frequencies. The intracavity filter not only shapes the output spectra, but also provides a route for overall broader bandwidths and shorter pulses in ytterbium fiber lasers. These results demonstrate that spectral shaping with a passive filter is a useful tool to routinely achieve sub-45 fs pulse durations in ytterbium fiber lasers.

Cooper, Nicholas D.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Final Report

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗