Tunable Q-switched mode-locked Cr:LiSAF laser

We have achieved stable passively Q-switched mode-locked (QML) operation in a Cr: LiSAF laser. In the experiments, 10 mm long, %1.5 Cr-doped crystal was pumped by two 150 mW single-mode diodes at 660 nm. An AlGaAs based saturable Bragg reflector (SBR) with central wavelength of 850 nm and modulation depth 0.8% used for initiating sustaining QML operation. The laser self-starting robust against environmental fluctuations. operation, system produced sub-5-ps long pulses 150–200 MHz, inside 2–2.5 μs envelopes 30–70 kHz repetition rate. mode-locking stayed around 50%. also observed variation pulse parameters within envelope from to pulse. At an absorbed pump power level 280 mW, had average 50 whereas estimated peak were 0.5 kW. Simple rotation intracavity birefringent tuning plate (BRF) enabled between 835 865 To our knowledge, this study is first work focusing on lasers. findings initial attempt understand dynamics Cr:LiSAF. Further will focus reducing pulsewidths sub-1-ps increasing further scaling.