title: Excess quantum noise in optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification.
abstract: Noise evolution in an optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier (OPCPA) differs essentially from that of an optical parametric or a conventional laser amplifier, in that an incoherent pedestal is produced by superfluorescence that can overwhelm the signal under strong saturation. Using a model for the nonlinear dynamics consistent with quantum mechanics, we numerically study the evolution of excess noise in an OPCPA. The observed dynamics explain the macroscopic characteristics seen previously in experiments in the practically important saturation regime.
authors.affiliation: IFN-CNR, Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manzoni
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moses
authors.forename: Franz X
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Kärtner
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cerullo
mesh_terms: D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D016477:Artifacts; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007834:Lasers; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011789:Quantum Theory; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*