Challenges in Ultrafast Lasers (2017)

Huge parameter space with demand for explorative research

1. High power (productivity): 1–10 kW;
2. High energy: 10 mJ – J
    – Spread energy in optical axis (filament processing);
3. New frequency domains (e.g. GHz), burst operation;
4. New wavelengths:
    – Mid-IR / OPOs, OPAs, OPCPA, HHG (green to coherent EUV);
    – Dual- and multi-wavelength UFL;
    – THz generation;
5. System components for spatial/temporal modulation at > kW level:
    – Scalability > 200 W SLM;
    – Speed of beam positioning;
    – Beam switches/isolators;
    – Image amplification;
6. High power applications:
    a) Surface structuring (polymer, metal, glass, …);
    b) “Digital Milling”.