Double-loss-modulated q-switched and mode-locked Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 laser at 1.34 μm with single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber and AO modulator

Abstract

A diode-pumped dual-loss-modulated Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 laser at 1.34 μm with single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber (SWCNT-SA) and acousto-optic (AO) modulator is demonstrated. The modulation depth of the dual-loss-modulated QML laser reaches 90%, being deeper than 75% that obtained by the single passively QML laser. The stability of the hybrid QML laser is significantly improved if compared to that only with SWCNT-SA. The Q-switched pulse energy and the Q-switched pulse width of the QML laser with the dual-loss-modulation are 487 and 27% of those only with SWCNT-SA, respectively.