Using a modified ABCD-matrix approach accounting for nonlinear refraction in active medium, we determined the ranges of cavity parameters that provide a mode-locking of Yb:KYW-laser in usual z-fold cavity configuration. Taking the cavity parameters that provide a most efficient mode locking and based on fluctuation model, we performed a numerical simulation of laser operation. We used for our calculations the side-band pump power of 6 W at 982 nm with 1 cm X 50 micrometers beam cross section in active medium and the length of 1 cm for KYW crystal. Calculations showed that self-starting operation is possible with these parameters and dispersion compensation allows for bandwidth-limited ultrashort pulse generation. The shortest pulse duration was determined to be approximately 200 fs with self-starting build-up time of 130 microsecond(s) . Such a built-up time is comparable and even shorter than that one for the lasers with semiconductor saturable absorbers. The region of negative dispersion provided by prism pair where a stable ultrashort pulse generation takes place was determined to be (-17000 - -42000) fs².

Date Published: 4 May 1999
PDF: 3 pages
Proc. SPIE 3613, Solid State Lasers VIII, (4 May 1999); doi: 10.1117/12.347694

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3613:
Solid State Lasers VIII
Richard Scheps, Editor(s)