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Quantum coherence in ultrashort pulsed lasers
A team of researchers from five nations has introduced a new theory known as the coherent master equation, which examines the behavior of ultrashort pulsed lasers utilizing rapid materials and emphasizes the influence of quantum coherence. The quantum coherence of the pulsed laser is considered to be “the ability of material and light electrons to oscillate in unison for some time”.
Technological and scientific impact
These fiber laser systems allow emitting intense pulses of laser beam light of one billionth of a second at a constant rate, considerably influencing technology and science. This discovery promotes the development of new types of fiber lasers, especially with semiconductor materials, from quantum theory, which demonstrates the interactions between matter and luminous radiation electrons.
Applications of mode-locked ultrashort pulsed lasers
The use of mode-locked ultrashort pulsed lasers is highly promising; the laser system applications include such areas as medical-surgical, microscopy, spectroscopy, telecommunications techniques, and basic science experiments that favor research on fundamental phenomena. Also, the pulsed laser system plays a crucial role in accurate metrology based on optical frequency combs (a type of radiation applied in GPS or remote sensing technologies).
Historical context and master equation theory
These pulsed lasers are not new; they date back to the very birth of the fiber laser systems, although a simple and predictive theory of their behavior appeared later. The laser system theory, called the master equation, was created by Hermann A. Haus and has greatly succeeded in the application of numerous pulsed laser types.
International research and experimental validation
The research group consists of scientists from Spain, France, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. They study the theory limitations associated with ultrashort pulsed lasers, which do not explain the laser behavior when the response of the medium is rapid pulse repetition frequency. To solve the problem, scientists have performed a set of semiconductor-based fiber laser experiments that affirm the theoretical predictions of their proposal. The coherent master equation enables them to define the coherent quantum effects observed by other groups in previous experiments under laser systems.
The scientists claim that the novel theory of ultrashort pulsed lasers enlarges opportunities to employ the rich phenomenology of these effects in the design of new types of ML fiber laser systems, which can result in new functionalities and applications, particularly in areas such as accurate metrology or optical communications.