Yb:Lasers for high repetition rate VUV ultrafast chemistry with resonance enhanced fifth harmonic at 100nm

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed: In this project, we propose to develop a high repetition rate, 100 nm ultrafast source for spectroscopy, and imaging using Ytterbium laser technology for hollow core fiber resonant enhanced 5th harmonic generation. Currently, there are no commercial or scientific sources with the combination of high (100kHz 1MHz) repetition rate, and nJ pulse energy at 100 nm, with < 200fs pulses, but there is intense interest in this type of laser source, both for advanced spectroscopy, imaging, and other applications. Specifically, this laser source will enable improvements in ARPES, chemical ultrafast spectroscopies, and semicon fab techniques.. Statement of how this Problem or Situation is being addressed: Our approach to developing this amplified laser source based on resonant 5th harmonic generation builds upon research projects currently under development at KMLabs through the SBIR/STTR program. Current ultrafast sources for hollow fiber harmonic generation are expensive and complex. This program will rely on direct diode pumped materials, which can have greatly reduced cost and complexity. Although, other high power sources exist, they lack the short pulse duration required for efficient harmonic generation. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The applications mentioned before, specifically, enhancements to ARPES, chemical spectroscopies, as well as semicon fab. Many groups currently using eximer, and Ti:sapphire lasers and amplifiers for generating VUV could benefit greatly from the reduced complexity, reduced cost, and higher power from the laser system we will design. This system will be a large improvement over currently available ultrafast laser sources. Key Words: Chirped Pulse Amplification, Ultrafast, Laser Amplifier, VUV, Laser Summary for Members of Congress: We propose to develop a high-power, short-pulse, ultrafast laser with specifications well beyond any ultrafast laser currently available that will enable new scientific and technical advances. This laser would enhance the capabilities of currently operating spectrometer light sources, and would allow studies of chemical and biological systems on the molecular level, and would be capable of producing extremely short pulses at VUV wavelengths useful for time-resolved spectroscopy on the nanoscale.