200 W Diffraction limited, single-polarization, all-fiber picosecond MOPA

A fully fiberized, single-polarization, gain-switched diode-seeded fiber master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system is demonstrated delivering 28 ps pulses at variable repetition frequencies ranging from 53 MHz up to 858 MHz. An average signal output power of 200 W was achieved with good OSNR for all operating frequencies. A maximum pulse energy of 3.23 μJ at a repetition frequency of 53 MHz was achieved, corresponding to a pulse peak power of 107 kW. The extraction of higher pulse energy was limited primarily by the onset of nonlinear effects such as SRS which lead to compromised pulse quality at higher peak powers.