In a breakthrough that could revolutionize the energy sector and beyond, researchers have developed a novel laser technology that efficiently generates ultrafast vortex pulses with flexible control over their topological charge. This advancement, published in the journal *APL Photonics* (which translates to *American Physical Society Photonics*), addresses a long-standing challenge in the direct generation of these specialized laser pulses, paving the way for innovative applications in micro-manufacturing, optical trapping, and more.
At the heart of this research is a mode-locked Nd:YVO4 vortex laser, designed by a team led by Wei Zhou at Shenzhen University in China. The laser employs a self-consistent intracavity mode conversion scheme, eliminating the need for high-order mode-matching conditions that have previously hindered efficiency and power output. “Our approach integrates a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror for mode-locking and an intracavity vortex mode converter using a Q-plate (QP),” explains Zhou. “This allows us to achieve stable emissions of vortex pulses with arbitrary topological charge at a central wavelength of 1064 nanometers, simply by swapping the corresponding QP.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Ultrafast vortex pulses have the potential to enhance precision in micro-manufacturing processes, which are critical for the production of advanced materials and components used in renewable energy technologies. For instance, the ability to manipulate light with high precision can improve the efficiency of solar cells and other energy-harvesting devices. “The generated LG0,1 and LG0,16 vortex pulses have durations of 10.2 and 10.8 picoseconds, with average output powers of 3.51 and 3.16 watts, respectively,” Zhou notes. “This level of performance opens up new possibilities for applications that require high-power, high-efficiency laser pulses.”
The research also highlights the flexibility and robustness of the new laser design. By maintaining a slope efficiency of 33.1% for the LG0,1 vortex mode and 28.9% for higher-order modes up to LG0,16, the technology demonstrates its potential for scalable and adaptable use in various industrial settings. This could lead to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes, ultimately driving down the costs of energy technologies and making them more accessible.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced laser technologies that can meet the challenges of precision and efficiency will only grow. This research, published in *APL Photonics*, represents a significant step forward in meeting these demands. By providing a robust framework for the design and construction of efficient, high-power pulsed vortex lasers, the work of Wei Zhou and his team at Shenzhen University is poised to shape the future of laser technology and its applications in the energy sector and beyond.