Single-frequency, solid-state laser amplifier for use in gravitational wave detectors

Calculated mode profile of a multifilament core fiber

Work of the group focusses on:

• Development of highly-stable laser systems for earth-based gravitational wave detection
• Single-frequency lasers in the wavelength range of 1, 1.5 and 2 µm
• Investigations on the characteristics of single-frequency, high power fiber and crystal amplifiers
• Raman conversion to achieve unconventional wavelengths

Current scientific work and projects:

• Construction, delivery and installation of the “Observatory Lasers” for the American gravitational wave detector Advanced LIGO
• Coherent combination of single-frequency fiber amplifiers in the Cluster of Excellence QUEST (DFG)
• Investigations on the output and phase dynamics of single-frequency fiber amplifiers in the Cluster of Excellence QUEST (DFG)
• Investigation on the influence of amplified spontaneous emission on stimulated Brillouin scattering in the Cluster of Excellence QUEST (DFG)
• Power scaling in the wavelength range of 1.5 µm using the worldwide first erbium-doped photonic crystal fiber in the Cluster of Excellence QUEST (DFG)
• Development of a stable Raman laser as a pump source for precision amplifiers (BMBF)
• Development of a 2 µm laser system for generating a dipole trap in the drop-tower of the ZARM in Bremen (DLR)