Simulation of Frequency Modulation Mode-locking in a Nd:YLF Laser and Investigation of Detuning Influence on the Laser Parameters

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Abstract

Todays, ultrashort pulse lasers are employed in many branches of science and technology. Surface coating destruction, three dimensional micro or nano-structuring, terahertz wave generation and various spectroscopic techniques such as: ultrashort pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, filament induced breakdown spectroscopy, and also different and several applications in nuclear physics are a portion of ultrashort pulse lasers utilizations. In this work, frequency modulation is firstly overviewed and then active mode-locking using the modulation is investigated in details. The modulation is in fact employed for ultrashort pulse generation by cavity loss modulation or phase changes modulation in a round trip. This can be done using an acousto-optical modulator or an electro-optical modulator. Later the mode-locking in a Nd:YLF laser cavity implementing self-consistent method is simulated. Ultrashort pulses shorter than 40ps with 120nJ energy and a rate of 250MHz are output of the designed oscillator.  
 

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