Self-starting additive-pulse mode-locked diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Mode-locking techniques are essential for generating ultrashort laser pulses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser using self-starting additive-pulse mode locking.
• To investigate the performance and design considerations of this laser system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nonlinear external cavity for additive-pulse mode locking.
• Employed a diode-pumped neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) gain medium.

Main Results:

• Achieved stable, self-starting mode locking.
• Generated laser pulses with a duration of 1.7 picoseconds.
• Obtained an average output power of 25 milliwatts.

Conclusions:

• Additive-pulse mode locking in a nonlinear external cavity is an effective method for diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers.
• The demonstrated system operates without active amplitude or phase modulation, simplifying the design.
• Design and scaling aspects of this technology warrant further investigation for broader applications.