Compact efficient multi-GHz Kerr-lens mode-locked diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Kerr-lens mode locking (KLM) is a crucial technique for generating ultrashort laser pulses.
• Nd:YVO4 lasers are widely used due to their favorable thermal and optical properties.
• Achieving multi-GHz repetition rates in compact laser systems remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate efficient multi-GHz Kerr-lens mode locking in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser.
• To investigate the stability and performance of a simple linear cavity design for KLM.
• To achieve high output power and short pulse durations at high repetition rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 crystal within a simple linear cavity.
• Employed Kerr-lens mode locking without additional optical components.
• Characterized laser performance, including output power, pulse width, and repetition rate.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved stable multi-GHz Kerr-lens mode locking.
• Demonstrated stable single-pulse and multiple-pulse mode-locked operations.
• Obtained average output powers exceeding 0.8 W with pulse widths under 10 ps at repetition rates of 2-6 GHz, using 2.5 W of pump power.

Conclusions:

• The compact, diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser with a linear cavity is an efficient platform for multi-GHz KLM.
• The demonstrated system offers a simple and robust solution for generating high-repetition-rate, ultrashort pulses.
• This work paves the way for advanced applications requiring high-performance laser sources.