Nonlinear mode coupling in a CW operating Ti: Sapphire laser oscillator

Maria Ana Cataluna*, H. Crespo, A. Guerreiro, J. T. Mendonça

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We experimentally observe a high-contrast intensity modulation in the multimode CW output of a Titanium:Sapphire laser. This modulation has a very low frequency (in the hundreds of Hz range), being stable and self-sustaining, unlike previously reported regimes which require external perturbations such as a periodic change in the resonant cavity length. This effect results from the nonlinear coupling of several longitudinal modes with very large frequency spacing (of the order of tens of THz) which arise due to mode competition violation (promoted by dispersion control within the laser cavity), associated with the large gain bandwidth of Ti:Sapphire. To our knowledge, this is a previously unreported phenomenon, for which we are currently developing an adequate theoretical model. These results may prove useful in the further understanding of the onset of mode-locked operation in ultrashort lasers and other highly nonlinear systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)134-136
Number of pages3
JournalPhysica Scripta T
Volume2002
Issue numberT98
Publication statusPublished - 2002
EventInternational Topical Conference on Plasma Physics: New Plasma Horizons - University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Duration: 3 Sept 20017 Sept 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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