Direct generation of subnanosecond Ince-Gaussian modes in microchip laser

Abstract

In this paper, a new method is used to direct generate Ince-Gaussian (IG) modes from a pulsed solid-state microchip laser. By moving a circular aperture horizontally, the gain size in the laser medium is adjusted, and different IG laser modes are obtained successively. The output laser possesses a stable pulse duration of 500-600 ps; at the same time, the repetition frequency varies between 7 and 16 kHz. To our knowledge, this is the first time that IG modes are obtained in the subnanosecond laser domain, which will be helpful for making large-energy high-peak-power devices.