The project was applicative project and conducted research in the field of highly adaptable laser systems and their use, which are important for the development of science, and especially for industrial partners.
Key research carried out during the project addressed the optimal parameters for laser processing in which advanced laser systems could be utilized. Furthermore, the project included research on the laser theory for high power laser pulse generation, research on the adaptability of the laser system, achieving arbitrary high-power pulses with gain switching, research on optical fibers for high power operation and research on rapid modulation of the laser pump system. Due to the requirements for the portability of laser systems, the research also focused on finding solutions that would enable the development of a laser source of appropriate dimensions for the processing system.
During the project, two modes of operation of adaptable lasers were studied and investigated. Both had in common control of the amplification of the laser light inside the laser, so that the parameters of the output laser pulses could be set independently of the repeating frequency, without external modulators. Using the method of direct modulation of pump light in a high-power laser oscillator, it has been shown that we can generate any sequence of laser pulses with repetitions over 1 MHz as well as generate individual pulses (patent application: WO2020204839A1). Research has also led to an upgrade of the system with which it is possible to generate any shape of the laser output during which the peak power is limited only by the available pump power.
Further progress has been made on research into laser systems based on a primary and idler seed source connected to a chain of amplifiers (MOPA - Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) for the purpose of generating pulses with a starting duration below nanosecond and a modulation frequency of more than 10 MHz. The latter concept has been tested in an industrial environment on a laser transfer printing application. Research has also been conducted on combining a fiber laser system with a solid-state amplifier for an even greater increase in power, leading to a hybrid design that allows for adaptable laser operation at higher powers.
The researched and tested solutions represent an advanced laser platform for designing a highly adaptable laser source with the aim of opening new industrial applications and fast processing with a new generation of scanning systems. The results of the development of adaptable laser systems and laser applications have led to articles published in 17 SCI journals, international patent application, and conference papers. Among other things, the members of the project group also organized an international workshop within the MIDEM conference "Workshop on laser system and photonics", Bled (Slovenia), 2019.
