Christian Kürbis

Micro-integrated extended cavity diode lasers for precision potassium spectroscopy in space

We present a micro-integrated, extended cavity diode laser module for space-based experiments on potassium Bose-Einstein condensates and atom interferometry. The module emits at the wavelength of the potassium D2-line at 766.7 nm and provides 27.5 GHz of continuous tunability. It features sub-100 kHz short term (100 μs) emission linewidth. To qualify the extended cavity diode laser module for quantum optics experiments in space, vibration tests (8.1 g(RMS) and 21.4 g(RMS)) and mechanical shock tests (1500 g) were carried out. No degradation of the electro-optical performance was observed.

High-power, micro-integrated diode laser modules at 767 and 780 nm for portable quantum gas experiments.

We present micro-integrated diode laser modules operating at wavelengths of 767 and 780 nm for cold quantum gas experiments on potassium and rubidium. The master-oscillator-power-amplifier concept provides both narrow linewidth emission and high optical output power. With a linewidth (10 μs) below 1 MHz and an output power of up to 3 W, these modules are specifically suited for quantum optics experiments and feature the robustness required for operation at a drop tower or on-board a sounding rocket. This technology development hence paves the way toward precision quantum optics experiments in space.

Study of Microintegrated External-Cavity Diode Lasers: Simulations, Analysis, and Experiments

This paper reports the results of numerical and experimental investigations of the dynamics of an external-cavity diode laser device composed of a semiconductor laser and an external Bragg grating, which provides optical feedback. Due to the influence of the feedback, this system can operate in different dynamic regimes. The traveling-wave model is used for simulations and analysis of the nonlinear dynamics in the considered laser device. Based on this model, a detailed analysis of the optical modes is performed, and the stability of the stationary states is discussed. It is shown that the results obtained from the simulation and analysis of the device are in a good qualitative agreement with the experimental findings.

Compact narrow linewidth diode laser modules for precision quantum optics experiments on board of sounding rockets

We have realized a laser platform based on GaAs diode lasers that allows for an operation in mobile exper-imental setups in harsh environments, such as on sounding rockets. The platform comes in two versions: a master-oscillator-power-amplifier and an extended cavity diode laser. Our very robust micro-optical bench has a footprint of 80 x 25 mm2. It strictly omits any movable parts. Master-oscillator-power-amplifier systems based on distributed feedback master oscillators for 767 nm and 780 nm narrow linewidth emission have been implemented by now. A continuous wave optical output power of > 1 W with a power conversion efficiency of > 25% could be achieved. The continuous tuning range of these lasers is on the order of 100 GHz, the linewidth at 10 μs is about 1 MHz. For applications demanding a narrower linewidth we have developed an extended cavity diode laser that achieves a linewidth of 100 kHz at 10 μs. These lasers achieve a continuous spectral tuning range of about 50 GHz and an continuous wave optical power up to 30 mW. The modules have been successfully vibration tested up to 29 gRMS along all three axes and passed 1500 g shocks, again along all 3 axes. Both, master-oscillator-power-amplifiers and extended cavity diode lasers, have been employed in sounding rocket experiments.

Waveform characterization of few-cycle laser pulses in real-time using above-threshold ionization

Since the time-dependent electric field dictates strong-field laser-matter dynamics, characterization of the waveform is critical for the understanding and control of these interactions. Moreover, the precise determination of these parameters is especially important for applications in the few-cycle regime, e.g. the production of extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) pulses, which serve as the basis for much of the burgeoning field of attosecond science.

Miniaturized red-emitting hybrid semiconductor MOPA modules with small-sized Faraday isolators

Gas lasers such as the HeNe-laser at 633 nm or the Kr-laser at 647 nm are still widespread in use for applications that require visible, highly coherent radiation. Replacing the gas lasers with semiconductor lasers that provide a beam with similar output power, wavelength and coherence would significantly improve the degree of miniaturization and lead to an abundance of new fields of applications.

Micro-integrated extended cavity diode laser with integrated optical amplifier for precision spectroscopy in space

GaAs diode laser-based hybrid micro-integration technology meets the demand for precision spectroscopy applications in space for compact, robust, and energy-efficient laser modules. It supports applications at wavelengths ranging from 630 nm to 1200 nm and is already used for quantum optics experiments in space [1].

Design of a compact diode laser system for dual-species atom interferometry with rubidium and potassium in space

We report on a micro-integrated high power diode laser based system for the MAIUS II/III missions. The laser system features fiber coupled and frequency stabilized external cavity diode lasers (ECDL) for laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) generation and dual species atom interferometry with rubidium and potassium on board a sounding rocket.

Investigations of external cavity diode lasers: Simulations, analysis and experiments

We report the results of numerical and experimental investigations of the dynamics in an external cavity diode laser device composed of a semiconductor laser and a distant Bragg grating, which provides an optical feedback. The traveling wave model was used to simulate and analyze the nonlinear dynamics of the considered laser device. Finally, it is shown, that the simulation results are in good agreement with experiments.