Bewerber:
Prof. Dr. Majid Ebrahim-Zadeh, ICFO-Institute of Photonic Sciences, ICREA-Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies & Radiant Light S.L., Spanien

Abstract:
After nearly 20 years since the discovery of the Kerr-lens-mode-locked (KLM) Ti:sapphire laser, an innovative ultrafast light source is presented, which overcomes the long-standing spectral barriers in the visible and ultraviolet, providing continuously tunable femtosecond pulses across an unprecedented range of 250-2500 nm - with no gaps. This novel source of high-repetition-rate femtosecond pulses has been realized through the exploitation of multi-step nonlinear frequency conversion processes based on parametric up- and down-conversion of the KLM Ti:sapphire oscillator using innovative design concepts. The source offers practical features of solid-state design, high power and efficiency, roomtemperature operation, excellent temporal, spectral, and spatial quality. The viability of the system is validated by its successful development as commercial product, offering full automation, hands-free operation, and exceptional ease-of-use, enabling its exploitation in cutting-edge applications.