Project Details
Projekt
Control systems for adaptive optical systems in high power laser resonators
Subject Area
Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
Term
from 2014 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 257920601
The proposed research project aims at generalizing the existing concepts for continuous wave lasers towards a transversal beam shaping of mode-locked oscillators. For realizing a stable, pulsed laser beam, a coherent superposition of different longitudinal electromagnetic modes is necessary. In addition, nonlinear optical effects are needed – for instance by means of semiconductor saturable absorbers. This circumstance results in intensity-dependent set points. The proposed research project aims as compensating for these effects using intra-cavity deformable mirrors in order to enlarge the power-range of stable mode-locking. For achieving this goal, a model-based control design of the adaptive resonator is proposed. Thus, the complex and coupled dynamics of the mode-locked laser resonators has to be modeled in a transient way. Especially the dynamics of the optically addressed deformable mirror (OADM) give rise to advanced late lumping control approaches. Finally, the different actuator concepts – spherical pneumatic mirrors as well as an OADM – are combined in order to influence the (temporal) shape of the laser pulses. The chosen methods allow a deeper understanding of mode-locked lasers and aim a meeting the demand of compensation schemes in pulsed lasers.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
