ID - 131870283 TI - A New Generation of Ultrafast Oscillators for Mid-Infrared Applications AU - Nagl, Nathalie AU - SpringerLink (Online service) PY - 2021 SN - 9783030897543 9783030897550 9783030897567 9783030897536 PB - Cham Springer International Publishing :Imprint: Springer DB - UniCat KW - Optics. Quantum optics KW - Electronics KW - photonics KW - quantumchemie KW - lasers (technologie) KW - halfgeleiders KW - Lasers. KW - Infrared technology. KW - Quantum optics. UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:131870283 AB - This thesis presents the first successful realization of a compact, low-noise, and few-cycle light source in the mid-infrared wavelength region. By developing the technology of pumping femtosecond chromium-doped II-VI laser oscillators directly with the emission of broad-stripe single-emitter laser diodes, coherent light was generated with exceptionally low amplitude noise - crucial for numerous applications including spectroscopy at high sensitivities. Other key parameters of the oscillator's output, such as pulse duration and output power, matched and even surpassed previous state-of-the-art systems. As a demonstration of its unique capabilities, the oscillator's powerful output was used to drive - without further amplification - the nonlinear generation of coherent mid-infrared light spanning multiple octaves. The resulting table-top system uniquely combines high brilliance and ultrabroad spectral bandwidth in the important mid-infrared spectral range. The rapid development of this technology is comprehensively and lucidly documented in this PhD thesis. Together with a thorough review of literature and applications, and an extensive analysis of the theoretical foundations behind ultrafast laser oscillators, the thesis will serve as a valuable reference for the construction of a new generation of mid-infrared light sources. ER -