title: Yb:YAG single-crystal fiber amplifiers for picosecond lasers using the divided pulse amplification technique.
abstract: A two-stage master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) system based on Yb:YAG single-crystal-fiber (SCF) technology and designed for high peak power is studied to significantly increase the pulse energy of a low-power picosecond laser. The first SCF amplifier has been designed for high gain. Using a gain medium optimized in terms of doping concentration and length, an optical gain of 32 dB has been demonstrated. The second amplifier stage designed for high energy using the divided pulse technique allows us to generate a recombined output pulse energy of 2 mJ at 12.5 kHz with a pulse duration of 6 ps corresponding to a peak power of 320 MW. Average powers ranging from 25 to 55 W with repetition rates varying from 12.5 to 500 kHz have been demonstrated.
authors.forename: Fabien
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lesparre
authors.forename: Jean Thomas
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Délen
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Martial
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Didierjean
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pallmann
authors.forename: Bojan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Resan
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Druon
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Balembois
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Georges