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Many rare-earth-doped materials are suitable for laser operation and this thesis focuses on diode-pumped solid-state lasers employing crystals doped with the trivalent rare-earth ions neodymium (Nd3+), ytterbium (Yb3+) and erbium (Er3+). Especially, the quasi-three-level transitions in Nd and Yb have been studied as well as the eye-safe three-level transition around 1.5 µm in Er. Quasi-three-level laser transitions in neodymium-doped crystals such as Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF and Nd:YVO4 have received a great deal of interest because they allow for generation of blue light by frequency doubling. For solid-state blue laser sources, there exist numerous applications as in high-density optical data storage, colour displays, submarine communication and biological applications. Efficient lasing on quasi-three-level transitions at 900¬–950 nm in Nd-doped crystals is considerably more difficult to achieve than on the stronger four-level transitions at 1–1.1 µm. The problems with these quasi-three-level transitions are a significant reabsorption loss at room temperature and a small stimulated emission cross section. This requires a tight focusing of the pump light, which is achieved by end-pumping with high-intensity diode lasers. Nd:YAG lasers at the 946 nm transition have been built and a maximum power of 7.0 W was obtained. By inserting a thin quartz etalon in the laser cavity, the 938.5 nm laser line could be selected and an output power of 3.9 W was then obtained. By using nonlinear crystals, frequency-doubling of laser light at both 946 nm and 938.5 nm was achieved. Efficient generation of blue light at 473 nm has been obtained in periodically poled KTP, both in single-pass extra-cavity and intracavity configurations. More than 0.5 W was obtained at 473 nm by intracavity doubling. Intracavity second harmonic generation of the 938.5 nm transition gave slightly more than 200 mW at 469 nm. During recent years, Yb-doped double-tungstate crystals like KGW and KYW have shown efficient laser operation. A comparative, experimental study of the laser performance and thermal-lensing properties between standard b-cut Yb:KGW and Yb:KGW cut along a novel athermal direction is presented. The results show that the thermal lens is about two times weaker and less astigmatic in the athermal-direction-cut crystal, for the same absorbed power. Also, Er-Yb-doped KGW and KYW have been investigated and the fluorescence dynamics have been measured for the Yb (2F5/2), Er (4I13/2) and Er (4S3/2) levels around 1 µm, 1.5 µm and 0.55 µm, respectively. The influence of upconversion is a detrimental effect both in Nd-doped and Er-Yb-doped lasers. Analytical models starting from rate equations have been developed for these lasers including the influence of upconversion effects. The results of the general models have been applied to 946 nm Nd:YAG lasers and to Er-Yb-doped double-tungstate crystals in order to find the optimum doping concentrations for high gain for an eye-safe laser at 1.53 µm. / QC 20100901

Ultra-short and high-peak-power laser pulses have important industrial and scientific applications. While direct laser amplification can lead to peak powers of several million watts, higher values than these cannot be achieved without causing damage to the amplifier material. Chirped pulse amplification technique is thus invented to break this barrier. By temporally stretching pulses before entering amplifier, the pulse peak power is significantly reduced and thus becomes safe to be passed through the amplifier. After amplification, a compressor is used to recover the pulse width, and high-power ultra-short laser pulses are produced. Chirped pulse amplification technology increases the pulse energy by transferring the damaging effects of high-peak power laser pulses from the vulnerable amplifier to a relatively robust compressor system. The compressor is therefore a crucial device for producing high peak powers. However, there are some major drawbacks associated with it. First, compressors in high-energy laser system are usually over 1 cubic meter in size. For many applications, this large and cumbersome size is a limiting factor. Second, compressors are sensitive to outside disturbances; a little misalignment can lead to failure of pulse compression process. Third, gratings with large uniformly ruled area are difficult to fabricate, which impose a limit on achievable peak powers and pulse durations of laser pulses through the use of conventional compressors. In this project, we present a grating-based monolithic optical compressor that offers a way around some of the major problems of existing compressors. By integrating the key optical components, one can make a robust and monolithic compressor that requires no alignment. In the new scheme, folding the optical path with reflective coatings allows one to design a compressor of significantly reduced size by minimizing both the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the device. The configuration and operation mechanism of this novel compressor are described. A method for calculating the volume of the compressor is investigated. This is validated by computing the size of a specific monolithic compressor. Simulation results obtained through finite-difference time-domain method are presented, proving that the new compressor provides a compact, portable, and robust means for temporally compressing long duration pulses.

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New abstract (saved as much of your structure/wording as possible): In mammals, sound localization along the azimuth is computed in part in the lateral superior olive (LSO), a binaural nucleus in the brainstem. Information about the location of the sound source is derived from differences in sound intensity at the two ears, the Interaural Level Difference (ILD). Within each LSO, principal cells compute ILDs by integrating an excitatory input carrying intensity information from the ipsilateral ear with an inhibitory input carrying intensity information from the contralateral ear. This computation requires that the phenotypically distinct inputs onto individual LSO cells be matched for sound frequency. The process of ‘aligning’ and refining the inputs for frequency information occurs during the first few postnatal weeks in rats, through modifications of synapse strength and cell morphology. Our lab studies the distribution, and re-distribution, of these converging inputs during the early period of circuit refinement. A common strategy for examining spatial distribution of synapses is through anatomical techniques, including for example immunohistological methods for localizing specific synaptic proteins. Ultimately, however, we need to understand how synapse position affects the functional response. Asking this kind of question requires the ability to stimulate individual synapses while recording from dendrite or cell body, an approach for which we use laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS). I designed two LSPS systems in order to stimulate the post-synaptic sites of excitatory or inhibitory inputs on LSO principal neurons while recording at the cell body using whole-cell patch clamp. I researched many optical designs and technologies when fine-tuning my design. My designs and initial groundwork will help a future lab member finish one or both of the LSPS designs. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

This thesis presents studies on a novel ‘meta-material’ as a potential candidate to replace the traditional Electro-Optic crystals (GaP, ZnTe) used in ultrashort bunch monitors for electron/positron accelerators. This study is aimed at showing the linear and non-linear optical properties of such materials, and creating a toolbox for both optical characterisation and manipulation of their properties using an ultra-short pulsed laser. The material studied throughout this thesis is a composite of silver nanoparticles (a “nanocomposite”) embedded within soda-lime glass. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a feature of these particles that is responsible for its unique optical properties. It is shown in this work how SPR is utilised for shape modification of silver nanoparticles with the use of a ps- pulsed laser with various laser beam polarisations. The impact of linear polarisation irradiation is investigated. It is found that multipulse irradiation has the effect of elongating nanoparticles to form prolate spheroids, which results in a dichroic effect on the composite as a whole, caused by the anisotropic SPR band shift. It is also shown that changing the laser polarisation from linear to radial and/or azimuthal changes the character of the reshaped nanoparticles. It was observed that a localised change of ellipsoid orientation is achieved, resulting in a non-directionally-dependent SPR band shift. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) has been observed from reshaped nanoparticles embedded in soda-lime glass. A comparison of the effect was made between ps-pulsed reshaped, fs-pulsed reshaped and mechanically stretched samples containing silver nanoparticles. Multiphoton Absorption Induced Luminescence (MAIL) was observed along with the SHG and characterised for the various laser polarisation components. The dependence of the aforementioned effects on the elongated nanoparticle aspect ratio was shown to have a great impact. A novel method for reshaped nanoparticles characterisation is presented. It is based on the laser-induced SHG and MAIL signal and is proved to give a precise measurement of the nanoparticle shape and orientation. Frequency Resolved Optical Gating (FROG) measurement of a fs-pulse is measured with great accuracy, in the case where the BBO nonlinear crystal is replaced by the reshaped nanoparticle composite. This was demonstrated to be caused by the anisotropic SHG of the ellipsoidal nanoparticles. Preliminary THz based measurements were performed as a part of a feasibility study of the application of these composites in the EO-based detection of ultrashort electron bunches. Future work is suggested in order to achieve more efficient EO detection.

L’injection tout optique des porteurs de charges libres dans un matériau semi-conducteur peut changer la fréquence de résonance d’une cavité optique pendant quelques picosecondes et permet une modification ultra-rapide de l’interaction lumière-matière. Dans cette thèse, nous étudions la commutation de différents types de cavités basés sur les matériaux GaAs/AlAs et explorons des applications possibles.Quand la longueur d’onde de résonance est changée sur une échelle de temps inférieure à son temps de stockage, lumière stockée subit un décalage vers les hautes fréquences. Dans ce travail, nous étudions expérimentalement cet effet pour des microcavités planaires à haut facteur de qualité, étant capables de stocker la lumière pendant plusieurs dizaines de picosecondes et observons un décalage important (environ 17 largeurs de raie) de la lumière stockée. Conformément à nos simulations numériques, nous mettons en évidence un comportement adiabatique et une efficacité proche de 100% pour ce procédé de conversion.Étant au sein d’une cavité, des boîtes quantiques (BQ) peuvent servir comme source de lumière interne pour sonder les modes de la cavité et la dynamique de la commutation. Nous utilisons cette approche pour étudier deux types de cavités différents.D’un côté, nous injectons une distribution inhomogène de porteurs de charge libres dans des micropiliers, dont l’intérêt pour des expériences d’optique quantique est bien reconnu. A cause des recouvrements différents entre les distributions des porteurs libres et des intensités des champs, nous observons des comportements de la commutation des modes radicalement différents. Ce comportement est compris quantitativement sur la base des simulations prenant en compte la diffusion et la recombinaison des paires électron-trou.D’un autre côté, nous explorons les propriétés d’un nouveau type de microcavité, des résonateurs en forme d’anneau ovoïde. Nous présentons une caractérisation de leurs propriétés optiques et des expériences de commutation. Ces objets présentent des perspectives prometteuses pour la fabrication des microlasers et pour des expériences d’optique, telles que le contrôle dynamique de l’effet Purcell. / The all-optical injection of free charge carriers into a semiconductor material can change the resonance frequency of an optical microcavity within few picoseconds and allows an ultrafast modification of light-matter interaction. In this PhD thesis, we study the switching of different types of cavities based on GaAs/AlAs materials and explore possible applications.When the resonance wavelength of a cavity is shifted on a timescale shorter than its storage time, the frequency of the stored light is up-converted. In this work, we study this effect experimentally for high Q planar microcavities, able to store light during several tens of picoseconds. Upon ultrafast switching, we observe a large frequency shift (around 17 mode linewidths) of stored light.In agreement with numerical simulations, we evidence an adiabatic behavior and an efficiency close to 100% for this conversion process.When embedded in a cavity, quantum dots can serve as an internal light source for probing cavity modes and their switching dynamics. We use this approach to study two different kinds of microcavities.On one hand, we inject an inhomogeneous distribution of free charge carriers into micropillars, whose interest for quantum optics experiments is well recognized. We observe drastically different switching behaviors for their cavity modes, due to the different overlaps between free carriers and field intensity distributions. This behavior is understood in a quantitative way on the basis of simulations taking into account the diffusion and recombination of electron-hole pairs.On the other hand, we explore the properties of a novel type of microcavity, ovoid ring resonators. We present a characterization of their optical properties, as well as switching experiments. These objects offer appealing perspectives for the fabrication of microlasers, and for quantum optics experiments such as controlling the Purcell effect in real time.

This thesis is about the investigation of the spectral interaction of electromagnetic radiation with metal powders. For this purpose, spectral data of powders for laser powder bed fusion processes are investigated in three papers using different techniques. In paper A the spectral radiation behavior of the laser interaction zone is considered, in paper B and C the absorbance behavior of different metal powders depending on their state and measurement method.   Paper A investigates the spectral signal of the process light generated by laser material interaction in laser powder bed fusion. The detection is performed by a coaxially guided measuring beam and a quasi-coaxial measuring beam simultaneously guided by another scanning optics. The signal characteristics depend on the angle of incidence of the measuring beam to the laser material interaction zone. Using high-speed recordings and optical simulations, a model for describing the signal behavior could be determined. The measured spectral intensity distribution representing the degree for energy coupling can be corrected with a correction factor over the whole field for solid materials. This correction includes a function describing the numerical aperture of the measuring channel and the laser intensity on the working field. For the investigated powder, the measurement signal fluctuated strongly and no transferable model could be formed. The reason for this was the different absorbance behavior of the powders investigated. Paper B therefore deals in detail with the spectral absorbance behavior of metal powders for additive manufacturing. Using a high-precision spectrometer, 39 powders were measured reflectively over a wide spectral range and the absorbance determined. By varying the degree of use, aging, grain size and impurities, various influence parameters are determined experimentally and discussed theoretically. Based on 20 derived laser wavelengths, technically usable wavelengths with better process efficiency and stability are proposed. From the obtained absorbance, the efficiency of energy coupling can be estimated and form a broad data base for the optimization of laser parameters. In order to perform the absorbance determinations also in situ in a laser powder bed fusion system paper C describes a possibility of an inline absorbance determination by high resolution coaxial imaging. A method is discussed for geometrically correct and gapless imaging of the processing plane, recorded through the laser optics. By imaging at six different wavelengths, metal powders can be distinguished by their absorbance spectrum and impurities can be detected. In an experimental implementation the functionality of the method is proven. The results are validated by optical simulations, ray tracing and comparative measurements with a high-precision spectrometer.

This thesis is focused on a detailed investigation of the optically induced quench switching effect in different films of antiferromagnetic CuMnAs. The quench switching effect was recently discovered to be highly reproducible resistance switch- ing, which can be excited by electrical and optical laser pulses. This thesis com- pares the amplitude response to laser-induced quench switching for samples on the different substrate material, samples with different stoichiometries, and sam- ples with different thicknesses of CuMnAs film. The effects of different ratios between the laser spot and the size of the measured device are investigated, and position-dependent measurements are also presented. It is shown that resistivity change with optical excitation using a single 120 femtosecond laser pulse can, in ideal conditions, reach up to 15% at room temperature, which is comparable with the maximum signal obtained with electrical pulses. All of the measure- ments combined with current knowledge of quench switching illustrate the robust behavior of this mechanism across a wide range of conditions. 1