Mode-locked unstable cavity HF laser

Abstract

A gain-switched diode laser was used to injection modelock a Ti-sapphire laser. The pulse repetition rate of the modelocked Ti-sapphire laser was varied by setting the diode laser pulse repetition rate equal to different multiples of the Ti-sapphire laser cavity fundamental frequency. Pulse repetition rates from 223 MHz (fundamental) to 1.56 GHz (seventh harmonic) were observed. No intracavity modelocking device was required and the Ti-sapphire laser cavity length was not changed. Maximum average output power at 854 nm was 700 mW for all pulse repetition rates when pumped with 6 W from an argon-ion laser. Pulsewidths ranged from 21 to 39 ps (FWHM). Phase noise measurements indicate that timing jitter was 2.5 ps at a pulse repetition rate of 223 MHz. Pulse-to-pulse amplitude fluctuations however, were significant and suggest that active cavity length stabilization may be required for reliable photoinjector applications.