Project description
Innovative technology for single-shot characterisation of ultrashort laser pulses
Capturing the motion of electrons relies on the availability of ultra-short light waves containing just a few cycles of a light oscillation. Nowadays, such pulses are delivered by state-of-the-art ultrafast laser systems. Key to attaining the high temporal resolution is not only the duration, but also the knowledge of the exact temporal shape of these laser pulses. The FIELDTECH project aims to develop a compact and user-friendly pulse diagnostics device, which represents a robust and cost-effective alternative to current techniques based on complex and expensive vacuum technology. Beyond the precise single-shot characterisation of laser pulses, the technology developed in this project represents an important step towards next generation ultrafast petahertz electronics.
Objective
The proposed project is dedicated to bringing technology for next generation characterization of optical fields to a market level. The technology, based on recent innovations at LMU, will facilitate simple optoelectronic devices, for e.g. carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) measurements, enabling the characterization of few-cycle pulses at a single laser shot level. Contemporary CEP-meter techniques, i.e. the f-2f interferometer and Sterero-ATI technique, have limitations, including they do not easily offer extension of single-shot measurements towards increasing repetition rates (beyond 100 kHz), have limited operation wavelengths, or involve a sophisticated apparatus, which is bulky and expensive. Based on our recent innovation, the realization of a simple phase meter that consists of only a few components and can even work in ambient air, we propose to explore bringing this and also its related field-metrology technology to the market to overcome such limitations.
We aim to improve the long-term stability of the device, to enhance the signal sensitivity, and to decrease the temporal response time for high-repetition single-shot CEP detection and retrieval. These include a new design of the device structure, a proper encapsulation of the core device including electromagnetic shielding, the incorporation of fast electronics components, and the development of a user-friendly software. The newly developed device will undergo a series of tests with different ultrafast laser sources both in the near and mid-infrared wavelength range and at repetition rate up to at least 100 kHz. In parallel to the S&T development, we will carry out the ‘go-to-market’ activities, which include securing the IP, standardization and modulation of the product, the analysis of worldwide potential market, discovery of supply and distribution channels, and formulation of sales strategies.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA-LSP - Coordination and support action Lump sumCoordinator
80539 Muenchen
Germany