Timing jitter optimization of mode-locked Yb-fiber lasers toward the attosecond regime

TL;DR

This paper reports the achievement of record-low timing jitter of 175 attoseconds in free-running Yb-fiber lasers, through optimization of mode-locking conditions and intra-cavity dispersion, using a high-resolution measurement technique.

Contribution

It demonstrates the lowest timing jitter in free-running mode-locked fiber lasers and identifies optimal mode-locking conditions for ultra-low jitter and noise.

Findings

Record-low rms timing jitter of 175 attoseconds achieved.

Optimal intra-cavity dispersion conditions identified.

Correlation between mode-locking conditions and noise performance established.

Abstract

We demonstrate ultra-low timing jitter optical pulse trains from free- running, 80 MHz repetition rate, mode-locked Yb-fiber lasers. Timing jitter of various mode-locking conditions at close-to-zero intra-cavity dispersion (-0.004 to +0.002 ps2 range at 1040 nm center wavelength) is characterized using a sub-20-attosecond-resolution balanced optical cross-correlation method. The measured lowest rms timing jitter is 175 attoseconds when integrated from 10 kHz to 40 MHz (Nyquist frequency) offset frequency range, which corresponds to the record-low timing jitter from free-running mode-locked fiber lasers so far. We also experimentally found the mode-locking conditions of fiber lasers where both ultra-low timing jitter and relative intensity noise can be achieved.