Stable mode-locking operation in a Cr:forsterite laser with a five-mirror cavity

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Quantum Electronics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Mode-locking in lasers is crucial for generating ultrashort pulses.
• Conventional four-mirror cavities present challenges in achieving stable mode-locking operation.
• Cr:forsterite lasers are utilized for their specific wavelength output and mode-locking properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability of mode-locking in a five-mirror cavity compared to a four-mirror cavity for a Cr:forsterite laser.
• To analyze the cavity configurations that facilitate stable mode-locking.
• To provide a method for easily achieving stable mode-locking and cavity alignment.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setup of a five-mirror cavity laser.
• Comparison of mode-locking stability with a conventional four-mirror cavity.
• Theoretical interpretation using ABCD-matrix formalism to analyze cavity stability conditions.

Main Results:

• A five-mirror cavity demonstrated significantly more stable mode-locking operation than a four-mirror cavity.
• The optimal cavity configuration for mode-locking was found to be within the stable region of the cavity.
• The ABCD-matrix analysis confirmed the enhanced stability provided by the five-mirror design.

Conclusions:

• A five-mirror cavity design facilitates easier achievement of KLM (Kerr-Lens Mode-locking) alignment.
• The five-mirror configuration leads to more stable and reliable mode-locking operation in Cr:forsterite lasers.
• This cavity design offers a practical advantage for researchers and engineers working with ultrashort pulse lasers.