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Low-threshold high-dynamic-range optical limiter for ultra-short laser pulses

Applied Physics B volume 74, pages 553–557 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract.

We demonstrate an optical limiter for ultra-short (∼100-fs) laser pulses. The device has a dynamic range (= damage energy/onset-of-limiting energy) of more than 10000 and an onset-of-limiting energy of only ∼10 nJ. The output-pulse energy is kept below 1.3 μJ. The limiting mechanism is based on two-photon absorption and refractive nonlinearities in a 20-mm piece of ZnSe. We discuss the importance of the different nonlinearities, damage issues, and guidelines for the construction of the device.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany

    A. Nevejina-Sturhan, O. Werhahn & U. Siegner

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  1. A. Nevejina-Sturhan
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  2. O. Werhahn
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  3. U. Siegner
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Additional information

Received: 20 December 2001 / Revised version: 25 March 2002 / Published online: 8 May 2002

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Nevejina-Sturhan, A., Werhahn, O. & Siegner, U. Low-threshold high-dynamic-range optical limiter for ultra-short laser pulses. Appl Phys B 74, 553–557 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003400200862

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003400200862

  • PACS: 42.65.-k; 42.65.Re