Abstract

High power modelocked lasers are important for wide-ranging applications, including industrial material processing and scientific applications. Nonlinear mirror (NLM) modelocking [1], involving the introduction of a nonlinear crystal (NLC) and dichroic output coupler (OC) to the laser cavity, offers an alternative to SESAM modelocking by using an ultrafast χ⁽²⁾ nonlinearity. It can be used across a wide wavelength band by choice of crystal and without requiring an absorption mechanism is potentially scalable to higher powers. It has recently produced high power picosecond oscillators in the bounce geometry [2] to > 10W. Here, we present a > 30 W modelocked Nd:GdVO₄ oscillator in the bounce geometry, using the NLM technique.

© 2011 Optical Society of America