First modelocked vertical external cavity surface emitting laser using quantum dot layers for gain and SESAM

Abstract

Modelocked vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs) combine the advantages of semiconductor and diode-pumped solid-state lasers. Semiconductor bandgap engineering enables operation in wavelength regions that are not covered by established solid-state laser gain materials. Picosecond VECSELs achieve high average output powers of up to 2.1 W and pulse repetition rates of up to 50 GHz using semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) for modelocking. The shortest pulse duration generated by a VECSEL is 260 fs, which is achieved at 15 mW average output power [1].