Abstract
We report on the generation of ultrashort laser pulses using Kerr lens mode-locking (KLM) of a flashlamp pumped Nd:KGW laser. Acousto-optic mode-locking and a fast electro-optic feedback loop is used to maintain high stability of the pulse parameters. The nonlinear index of refraction of the Kerr medium can be varied by a factor of two without affecting the pulse duration of 1.7 ps (FWHM). This is, to the best of our knowledge, the shortest pulse duration obtained with a Nd:KGW laser. A detailed ABCD-analysis of the resonator design relevant for KLM is given and compared with experimental results. Efficient amplification of the ultrashort pulses is obtained in a double pass amplifier with a moderate increase of pulse duration to 2.3 ps. The long pulse trains of approximately 1000 pulses at a single pulse energy of 10 μJ and a repetition rate of 40 Hz are very well suited for synchronously pumping a dye laser or an optical parametric oscillator.
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