The generation of picosecond pulses in passively mode-locked solid-state lasers. II - Pulse compression and broadening
Abstract
The generation of picosecond pulses in passively mode-locked solid-state laser is analyzed by focusing the attention on the problem of pulse compression and broadening. The wave-like character of radiation inside a laser cavity is considered, and it is shown that the radiation intensity function can be mathematically represented by a wave growing or decaying with distance. The concept of width of a radiation peak is defined, and its variation during passage through a nonlinear medium, such as a saturable absorber, is analyzed. Empirical expressions are derived for the pulse broadening at the end of the linear stage of operation, and for the combined pulse broadening and compression at the point of maximum laser output. It is shown that the overall effect is that of the net pulse broadening, and the pulse compression merely counteracts the pulse broadening during the nonlinear stage of operation.
- Publication:
-
International Journal of Electronics
- Pub Date:
- April 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977IJE....42..313D
- Keywords:
-
- Laser Cavities;
- Laser Mode Locking;
- Nonlinear Optics;
- Pulse Compression;
- Solid State Lasers;
- Ultrashort Pulsed Lasers;
- Additives;
- Electromagnetic Absorption;
- Laser Outputs;
- Neodymium;
- Pulse Duration;
- Saturation;
- Yag Lasers;
- Lasers and Masers