Fourier Domain Mode Locking (FDML): Erforschung des Mechanismus der spektralen Moden-Kopplung in optischen Systemen für die Bildgebung und Spektroskopie

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The mechanism of ¿Fourier Domain Mode Locking¿ (FDML) was proposed, developed and implemented during my postdoctoral visit at M.I.T.. It represents a completely new operation regime of lasers. Not the amplitude or phase, but the spectrum is modulated, complementary to standard mode locked lasers. A sequence of clean optical frequency sweeps is generated, which have the potential to be compressed to a train of ultrashort laser pulses. An entire sweep is optically stored within the cavity. FDML has the potential to revolutionize biomedical imaging in optical coherence tomography (OCT), overcome limitations of pulsed lasers and offer new possibilities in spectroscopy. In spite of the fact that a fully operational prototype does already exist, the mechanism of FDML itself is hardly understood yet. Goal of the proposed project is a complete theoretical understanding of FDML to investigate experimental limitations and problems and to do research on possible applications of FDML in biomedical imaging and spectroscopy. Research on the mechanism of Fourier Domain Mode Locking could have a lasting impact on the future of laser technology.