A Mode-Locked Nd:YAG Laser

Abstract

A mode‐locked Nd:YAG laser is described which produces pulses 30 psec in duration at a 2.6 nsec repetition rate. The locking range extends over ≈35 GHz, although the free‐running oscillating linewidth is only about 10 GHz. Also discussed is the behavior of the phase of the pulsetrain with changing cavity length. The measured phase shifts provide a means for frequency stabilizing the mode‐locked laser. A technique for inducing nondamped relaxation oscillations which modulate the mode‐locked pulsetrain is described.