Dynamics of the diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Nd:YAG laser

Abstract

We present a theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics of the diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. The theoretical approach, which is based on a two-variable Poincare map, allows the calculation of the pulse parameters with satisfactory accuracy. It is concluded (both theoretically and experimentally) that this laser does not present instabilities, which is an interesting feature for short-pulse laser engineering. We also find a robust two pulses per round trip mode of operation that appears to be a simple way for doubling the repetition rate. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.