Abstract: The ultra-short pulse chirped pulse amplification (CPA) laser system and method of operating CPA laser system include outputting nearly transform limited (TL) pulses by a mode locked laser. The system and method further include temporarily stretching the TL pulses by a first Bragg grating providing thus each stretched pulse with a chirp which is further compensated for in a second Bragg grating operating as as a compressor. The laser system and method further include a pulse shaping unit measuring a spectral phase across the recompressed pulse and further adjusting the deviation of the measured spectral phase from that of the TL pulse by generating a corrective signal. The corrective signal is applied to the array of actuators coupled to respective segments of one of the BGs which are selectively actuated to induce the desired phase change, with the one BG thus operating as both stretcher/compressor and pulse shaper.

Abstract: The ultra-short pulse chirped pulse amplification (CPA) laser system and method of operating CPA laser system include outputting nearly transform limited (TL) pulses by a mode locked laser. The system and method further include temporarily stretching the TL pulses by a first Bragg grating providing thus each stretched pulse with a chirp which is further compensated for in a second Bragg grating operating as as a compressor. The laser system and method further include a pulse shaping unit measuring a spectral phase across the recompressed pulse and further adjusting the deviation of the measured spectral phase from that of the TL pulse by generating a corrective signal. The corrective signal is applied to the array of actuators coupled to respective segments of one of the BGs which are selectively actuated to induce the desired phase change, with the one BG thus operating as both stretcher/compressor and pulse shaper.

Abstract: A method of reversible spatial mode selection and conversion between waveguides and free space is presented using a multiplexed volume Bragg grating (MVBG). The MVBG has an inherent angular selectivity, providing different losses for different transverse modes and converting a higher order mode in waveguide to a single fundamental mode in free space. Using the device in a resonator allows for a pure higher order mode to be guided and amplified in the gain medium, to increase the mode area, to extract accumulated excitation more efficiently, and, therefore, to increase gain of the amplifier. In the same resonator, the device is able to convert the higher order mode to a high brightness Gaussian beam in free space or to a fundamental mode in a waveguide.

Abstract: A method for two-dimensional spatial (transverse) mode selection in waveguide and free-space laser resonators and associated laser systems employing said resonators. The invention is based on the cylindrical symmetry of the angular selectivity of reflecting volume Bragg gratings (R-VBGs) that are used as spectrally selective minors in resonators. Matching the divergence of a laser beam and the angular selectivity a reflecting volume Bragg grating can establish different losses for transverse modes of different orders, while not restricting the aperture of the laser resonator, and enables single mode operation for resonators that support a plurality of transverse modes. The invention provides a laser having increased brightness without a decrease of efficiency.

Abstract: A volume Bragg laser including a resonator comprising photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) volume diffractive elements that can be used in a laser emitting window of transparency of PTR glass to provide control of the lasers spectral and angular parameters, and methods, devices, apparatus and systems related thereto. The high efficiency volume Bragg gratings recorded in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass preferably has an absolute diffraction efficiency exceeding approximately 95% in transmitting and reflecting modes is used for selection of a transverse and longitudinal mode for thermal, optical and mechanical stabilization of the volume Bragg lasers and coherent coupling of different lasers. Robustness, compactness, thermal and laser stability along with the ability to place several elements in the same space allows the use of sophisticated optical system according to the invention in fields of military lasers, optical communications, data storage and processing, and the like.

Abstract: A volume Bragg laser including a resonator comprising photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) volume diffractive elements that can be used in a laser emitting window of transparency of PTR glass to provide control of the lasers spectral and angular parameters, and methods, devices, apparatus and systems related thereto. The high efficiency volume Bragg gratings recorded in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass preferably has an absolute diffraction efficiency exceeding approximately 95% in transmitting and reflecting modes is used for selection of a transverse and longitudinal mode for thermal, optical and mechanical stabilization of the volume Bragg lasers and coherent coupling of different lasers. Robustness, compactness, thermal and laser stability along with the ability to place several elements in the same space allows the use of sophisticated optical system according to the invention in fields of military lasers, optical communications, data storage and processing, and the like.

Abstract: A volume Bragg laser including a resonator comprising photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) volume diffractive elements that can be used in a laser emitting window of transparency of PTR glass to provide control of the lasers spectral and angular parameters, and methods, devices, apparatus and systems related thereto. The high efficiency volume Bragg gratings recorded in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass preferably has an absolute diffraction efficiency exceeding approximately 95% in transmitting and reflecting modes is used for selection of a transverse and longitudinal mode for thermal, optical and mechanical stabilization of the volume Bragg lasers and coherent coupling of different lasers. Robustness, compactness, thermal and laser stability along with the ability to place several elements in the same space allows the use of sophisticated optical system according to the invention in fields of military lasers, optical communications, data storage and processing, and the like.

Abstract: A volume Bragg laser including a resonator comprising photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) volume diffractive elements that can be used in a laser emitting window of transparency of PTR glass to provide control of the lasers spectral and angular parameters, and methods, devices, apparatus and systems related thereto. The high efficiency volume Bragg gratings recorded in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass preferably has an absolute diffraction efficiency exceeding approximately 95% in transmitting and reflecting modes is used for selection of a transverse and longitudinal mode for thermal, optical and mechanical stabilization of the volume Bragg lasers and coherent coupling of different lasers. Robustness, compactness, thermal and laser stability along with the ability to place several elements in the same space allows the use of sophisticated optical system according to the invention in fields of military lasers, optical communications, data storage and processing, and the like.