Abstract

Continuous-wave mode-locking of a laser exploiting the nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) technique via Type I second harmonic generation is demonstrated for the first time. The NPR is generated by a lithium triborate crystal and transformed into nonlinear cavity losses of a 888 nm pumped $\mathrm{Nd}\text{:}{\mathrm{YVO}}_4$ laser. Self-starting, reliable mode-locking has been achieved at a high average output power of 20.6 W and a pulse duration of 7.3 ps. Furthermore, transform limited pulses down to 2.7 ps have been demonstrated at 9.9 W.

© 2013 Optical Society of America

Parametric Kerr lens mode-locked, 888 nm pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser

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111 W, 110 MHz repetition-rate, passively mode-locked TEM₀₀Nd:YVO₄ master oscillator power amplifier pumped at 888 nm

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Nonlinear mirror mode locking of a cw Nd:YLF laser

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