Pulsed laser amplification in master oscillator : power amplifier (MOPA) configuration

• Main Author: Seah, Ee Seng.
• Other Authors: Shum Ping
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Optics, optoelectronics, photonics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16664
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report is focused on the establishment of Pulsed Laser Amplification in a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) and discussion of the various methods of achieving such a system. By examining our approaches, we desired to enhance our knowledge in fiber laser technologies. In the inception of this report, we acquired the fundamental knowledge of laser technologies such as nature of light, laser principles and concepts of amplifiers. Next we examined the possibilities of seed laser before amplification. We discussed the methods of continuous ring wave operation and the deployment of Acousto-optic Modulator (AOM). In addition, we researched in direct modulation of laser diode meant for the amplification. We constructed a Master Oscillator Pulsed Amplifier (MOPA) system and examine the effects such as nonlinearities and our eventual output signal power. To have a complete analysis of such a system, we also compared our practice experiment with our computer simulation using the Opti System version 7. This comparison will strengthen our understanding of Master Oscillator Pulsed Amplifier (MOPA) theories. We round up this project by analyzing our experimental data obtained and discussed the future possibilities of research work in relevant areas.