Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) is developing new methods for generating and controlling laser pulses, which make it possible to increase the reliability and energy efficiency of laser sources, as well as expand their functionality to solve various applied problems.
Expanding the functionality and improving the operational characteristics of laser devices, which today find their application in various high-tech fields (from industry to medicine and cosmetology, from optical communications and navigation to fundamental and applied metrology), requires new, more effective methods for generating and controlling laser pulses. Among such methods is the use of new physical mechanisms and methods for modulating laser amplification. The results of this work were presented at the IEEE International Scientific and Technical Conference "Actual Problems of Electronic Instrumentation" APEP-2025 by Boris Nyushkov, Head of the Scientific Laboratory of General and Applied Photonics at NSTU-NETI, Head of the Department of Laser Systems at the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Candidate of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor.
According to the scientist, traditionally special devices were used to generate pulses — light modulators inside or outside the laser or saturating absorbers. However, they complicated the laser's design, increased its cost, reduced reliability, and limited energy efficiency. A well-known alternative approach is based on pulse modulation of laser amplification, but this usually requires a more complex pulse pumping system for the laser.
Boris Nyushkov, in collaboration with colleagues from Novosibirsk State University, proposed several new approaches to the formation of pulsed laser radiation based on new principles of modulation and self-regulation of laser amplification that do not require complex pulse pumping. And now it is at NSTU-NETI, in the Laboratory of General and Applied Photonics, that one of these methods has been successfully implemented for the first time in the world and studied in detail in relation to one of the most common and sought—after types of lasers - rare earth fiber lasers.
As Boris Nyushkov explained, the implemented transformation of the classical topology of a ring fiber laser made it possible to achieve stable pulse-periodic self-regulation of laser amplification and pulse generation mode due to the occurrence of negative optical feedback. Important applied qualities of the implemented method are the simplicity and reliability of the laser design, high energy efficiency, and the ability to control time-frequency characteristics over a wide range.
The detailed results of the comprehensive, experimental and theoretical research work, the characteristics and features of the new method of pulse generation, as well as the possibilities of controlling its characteristics, were presented at the conference in a separate report by Maxim Radchenko, co-author of the work, an employee of the laboratory, a graduate student of the Department of Laser Systems at NSTU-NETI.
"Our work is a remarkable case where research in the field of laser physics, which is fundamental in nature, has allowed us to obtain a vivid practical result that will undoubtedly find application in the creation of new, more reliable and efficient laser devices in demand in various fields," Boris Nyushkov emphasized.
Information about the conference
IEEE International Scientific and Technical Conference "Actual Problems of Electronic Instrumentation" APEP-2025 is being held in Novosibirsk on November 14-15, 2025. The scientific conference is organized by Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI) and the Siberian Branch of IEEE.
The Conference is a traditional and reputable scientific forum that has been gathering leading experts since 1990. During the conference, more than 10,000 reports were presented, and for many scientists it became a starting point in their careers and a place to discuss their scientific achievements.
The APEP-2025 conference is attended by scientists and experts from 16 countries and 60 regions of Russia. The program of the international conference includes sections on all critically important areas of industry development: electronic devices, nanotechnology and microsystem engineering; medical electronic devices and biotechnologies; electrical engineering and electric power industry; radio engineering and telecommunication systems; automation and information and measuring technologies; mathematical modeling of processes and devices; optical and laser technologies.