Abstract

Kerr Lens mode-locking (KLM) is a powerful technique for ultrashort pulse generation with a variety of solid-state lasers. This technique is based on the self-focusing effect in a resonator containing a Kerr medium, which modifies the transverse mode and results in power dependent losses or gain. Therefore the ultrashort pulse formation and stability crucially depend on the resonator configuration. Due to the complexity of these nonlinear resonators, their implementation is mostly based on empirical rules, in spite of a number of available theoretical works.^1–3 Moreover, it is generally accepted that KLM cannot start without a suitable initiating device due to low nonlinear loss modulation.

© 1994 IEEE