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Dynamics of solid-state lasers pumped by mode-locked lasers.
Optics Express
|April 4, 2015
Summary
Researchers studied mode-locked solid-state lasers, finding that detuning cavity lengths from resonance creates modulated continuous wave (CW) output. This work explores laser dynamics and identifies optimal conditions for CW output with minimal modulation.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Solid-State Lasers
Background:
- Mode-locked lasers are crucial for high-intensity applications.
- Understanding the transition between mode-locked and continuous wave (CW) operation is key for laser design.
- Rational-harmonic mode-locking occurs at specific pump-to-cavity length ratios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the dynamics of mode-locked solid-state lasers.
- To investigate the transition from mode-locked to modulated CW behavior.
- To experimentally explore this transition in a Ce:LiCAF laser system.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of a Ce:LiCAF laser.
- Utilizing a frequency-quadrupled Nd:YVO(4) laser as a pump source.
- Development of a rate equation model to predict optimal cavity lengths.
Main Results:
- Achieved both CW and mode-locked output with pulse repetition rates up to 1.1 GHz.
- Demonstrated modulated CW output when detuning cavity lengths from resonance.
- Identified conditions for rational-harmonic mode-locking.
Conclusions:
- The transition from mode-locked to modulated CW operation is controllable by cavity length detuning.
- The developed rate equation model can predict optimal parameters for CW output with reduced modulation.
- This research provides insights into the operational dynamics of solid-state lasers.
