Ultrafast Laser Pulses Generation by Using the Ultrasmall Topological Semimetal Tan Quantum Dots

Abstract

The synthesis of ultrasmall TaN quantum dots (QDs) is achieved using a straightforward liquid exfoliation technique, starting from bulk tantalum mononitride (TaN). This work presents the evidence of generating an ultrafast laser by employing TaN quantum dots (QDs) as a saturable absorber within Erbium-doped fiber laser for the first time. Stable ultrashort pulses are generated, exhibiting a center wavelength of 1566.92 nm, a pulse duration of 713 fs, and a cavity repetition rate of 41.39 MHz. Furthermore, the utilization of TaN quantum dots as a saturable absorber in the device exhibits good nonlinear saturable absorption property with optical modulation depth of 1.37 %. Those results presented in this study add to the existing literature on the investigation of nonlinear optical characteristics of ultrasmall quantum dots (QDs), and also highlight the potential for future development in ultrafast photonic technology.

Keywords: TaN Quantum dots, Topological Semimetal, Saturable Absorber, Mode Locking Laser.