Ultra-Short Optical Pulse Generation with Single-Layer Graphene

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the generation of ultra-short optical pulses using single-layer graphene in a diode-pumped Er:Yb:glass laser, highlighting a novel approach for compact, high-repetition-rate ultrafast lasers.

Contribution

It introduces the use of single-layer graphene as a nonlinear optical element to produce sub-260 fs pulses in solid-state lasers, a novel application of graphene in laser technology.

Findings

Pulses as short as 260 fs achieved

Graphene enables ultrahigh repetition rates

Demonstrates a new approach for compact ultrafast lasers

Abstract

Pulses as short as 260 fs have been generated in a diode-pumped low-gain Er:Yb:glass laser by exploiting the nonlinear optical response of single-layer graphene. The application of this novel material to solid-state bulk lasers opens up a way to compact and robust lasers with ultrahigh repetition rates.