Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

David Murrell

Publication Date

1-29-2015

Abstract

In this dissertation, the insights provided using analytical methods to predict and refine Quantum Dot Mode Locked Lasers (QDMLLs) for use in multiple applications are explored. Experimental investigation guided by theory greatly reduces the number of iterations to find solutions to technical problems. The fitness of the theory and methods used for prediction of QDMLL operation are demonstrated. Experimental cases for QDMLLs in high temperature and radioactive environments are presented. Further avenues of pursuit for achieving high repetition rates in optical sources are also proposed.

Degree Name

Optical Science and Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Optical Science and Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christodoulou, Christos

Second Committee Member

Lester, Luke

Third Committee Member

Jain, Ravi

Fourth Committee Member

Diels, Jean-Claude

Fifth Committee Member

Mukherjee, Sayan

Sponsors

I would like to acknowledge the steadfast support and wisdom of Professor Luke F. Lester; my longtime advisor and mentor who introduced an inquisitive young intern to the wonders that result when disciplines merge. I would like to extend my gratitude to my remaining committee members who have had significant effects on my understanding. Dr. Christos Christodoulou and his student Georgios Atmazakis provided me a new perspective to consider when working with mode locked lasers using their experience in the RF world. Dr. Jean-Claude Diels' skill in free space optics and mode locking were a bountiful well spring that I drew upon often. Dr. Ravi Jain's insight into laser sources and all things fiber provided the grounding I needed to venture beyond what I knew. And Dr. Sayan Mukherjee who showed me the dividends of rigor and relayed some of his wisdom purchased through experience. I also thank my colleagues and friends who I met at the Center for High Technology Materials and who have enlightened me either by direct aid or by stimulating conversation. Dr. Ravi Raghunathan provided exceptional insight into mathematical constructs of mode-locking. Dr. Jesse Mee's experimental prowess and skills at data visualization allowed me to see and reach farther than I could have without him. Dr. Mark Crowley's theoretical background was invaluable when teasing out the ideal device configurations informed by gain and loss observations. Also thanks to Dr. Yan Li who apprenticed me through experimental measurement, Nishant Patel who helped me to learn more about thermal conduction than I ever expected, and Dr. Nathan Withers whose breadth of knowledge made my ventures less of a leap. This work could not have been completed without collaborations with the National Science Foundation, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Air Force Research Laboratory, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, the Cancer Research Center at the University of New Mexico, and all of the other brilliant people who I had the pleasure of meeting on my own road to knowledge.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

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