Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element

Details Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element

1991-05-09

1992-11-10

Scott, Jr., Leon

Coherent light generators

Particular beam control device

Mode locking

372 98, 372107, 372108, H01S 3098

Patent

active

051630591

ABSTRACT:
A passively mode-locked laser (110) is disclosed that includes a resonant cavity (112, 114) having a gain medium (116) therein. A transmissive element (116), which may be the gain medium, is also located in the cavity and is formed from a material which varies the two-dimensional, lateral spatial profile of the beam with respect to intensity due to the Kerr effect. The resonator is arranged such that the round trip gain of the system increases with respect to the intensity of the beam so that mode-locking operation can be achieved. In one approach, the variation in the spatial profile is used to increase the extraction of energy from the gain medium. In another approach, the variation in spatial profile which occurs with an increase in intensity is used to decrease the loss in the system so that pulse operation is favored. In an illustrated embodiment, wherein the gain medium (116) is formed from titanium-sapphire, the self-phase modulation of the crystal is also used to compress the pulses into the femtosecond range. In addition, a prism set (136, 138) can be used to balance the group velocity dispersion and self-phase modulation of the gain crystal to achieve stable, soliton-like operation. In the preferred embodiment, mode-locking behavior is initiating by rotating a transmissive optical element (230, 232) located in the cavity in a manner to vary the path length of the beam.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4268800 (1981-05-01), Johnston, Jr. et al.
patent: 5079772 (1992-01-01), Negus et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mode-locked laser using non-linear self-focusing element will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2300243