Frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion is an important issue that can prevent fusion ignition with high power lasers such as with the Laser Megajoule (LMJ). A way to reduce FM-to-AM conversion is to change the phase modulation (currently sinusoidal). In this paper, we study the case of random phase modulation. We show, with numerical simulation modeling, FM-to-AM conversion induced by different transfer functions, in which such a modulation format, in some cases, may significantly reduce FM-to-AM conversion, particularly in the case of amplitude filtering. Phase filtering may create high overshoots, but the occurence probability is low, and, on average, random phase modulation is advantageous compared with sinusoidal modulation. We also demonstrate an equivalent smoothing efficiency with the LMJ facility with an important reduction of FM-to-AM conversion compared with the current solution. Taking particular random draws (pseudo-random modulation), we exhibit optimal performance.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.57.009287 | DOI Listing |
We propose an experimental method for the determination of the transfer function linewidth of a laser amplifier. This technique is based on a transfer function scan using frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) temporal modulation measurement as a function of wavelength. Using this method, we show that the output spectrum of a laser amplifier in Q-switch mode is not representative of the transfer function of the amplifier.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this work, we simulate and demonstrate experimentally a new approach to generate picosecond laser pulses. This technique is based on optoelectronic FM-to-AM conversion: a transient radiofrequency phase modulation is applied on a continuous-wave fiber laser otherwise blocked by a bandstop filter. By leveraging the ability of modern electronic amplifiers to generate high voltage swings values on a short timescale, the presented setup induces a large and brief excursion out of the filter, hence generating 18 ps pulses with a time contrast of 38 dB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn order to smooth the focal spot of high-power energetic lasers, pulses are phase-modulated. However, due to propagation impairments, phase modulation is partly converted into power modulation. This is called frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM conversion).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHigh-power nanosecond laser pulses are usually spectrally broadened via temporal phase modulations to tackle the issue of stimulated Brillouin scattering and to achieve optical smoothing of the focal spot. While propagating along the beamline, such pulses can undergo frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion. This phenomenon induces modulations of the optical power that can have a strong impact on laser performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!