Low‐dimensional saturable absorbers for ultrafast photonics in solid‐state bulk lasers: status and prospects
Qianqian Hao, Cong Wang, Wenxin Liu, Xiaoqin Liu, Jie Liu, Han Zhang
Abstract
Abstract Low‐dimensional (LD) materials have originated a range of innovative applications in photonics and optoelectronics owning to their advantages of ultrafast carrier response and distinct nonlinear saturable absorption properties. In particular, these emerging LD materials including zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional materials have recently been utilized for short and ultrashort pulse laser generation in the visible, near infrared, and mid‐infrared wavelength regions. Here, we review recent progress demonstrating the application of LD materials as versatile, wideband saturable absorbers for Q‐switching and mode‐locking in all‐solid‐state lasers. The laser performance in operating wavelength, output power, pulse width, repetition rate, and pulse energy is reviewed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are suggested.