Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) has developed software for modeling generation modes in rare-earth fiber lasers with gain modulation and self-modulation. The development, which has already received a computer program certificate, will improve the efficiency of theoretical and applied research related to the physics and technology of laser systems by saving time and experimental resources.
According to Maxim Radchenko, one of the developers, a master's student at the Faculty of Physics and Technology of NSTU-NETI, the program is a flexible and effective tool for modeling and studying the dynamics of fiber laser generation of various configurations with different resonator lengths, up to several kilometers. The instrument is based on a numerical solution of the transfer equation for the power of generation radiation circulating in a fiber laser resonator and a system of equations for the gain of this radiation in an active fiber.
"This allows us to simulate a wide range of possible laser generation modes. In comparison with previously known approaches, this method places lower demands on computing resources, in particular, it requires less RAM. This was achieved due to the fact that only one spatial grid of the evolution of laser radiation power is processed at each time, which makes it possible to use simpler computer workstations during modeling and does not require the mandatory use of computer clusters," said Maxim Radchenko.
According to Boris Nyushkov, head of the Laboratory of General and Applied Photonics, Head of the Department of Laser Systems at NSTU-NETI, the program for numerical modeling of fiber lasers and physical processes in them also allows conducting primary studies of such physical systems without the need to create a full-fledged experimental facility. This saves resources and time, and also allows you to more quickly identify non-obvious physical patterns.
"Accurate numerical modeling of complex nonlinear dynamic physical systems and phenomena, such as, for example, pulse generation modes in fiber lasers, is a complex task that requires developers of a theoretical model and software for numerical calculation of this model to have deep competencies in several fields of knowledge at once: physics, mathematics and programming. This development proves that our department is capable of training specialists of such a high level," Boris Nyushkov emphasized.
Earlier, physicists at NSTU-NETI, together with neurophysiologists from the Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, developed an innovative method for minimally invasive, highly selective infrared neural stimulation using a fiber-optic interface between the brain and a laser source. This method was made possible by creating a unique fiber-optic interface between a laser source of stimulating patterns and the surface of the cerebral cortex.