Self-starting of cw mode-locked solid-state lasers with a linear external cavity

Abstract

Self-starting dynamics of a cw solid-state laser mode-locked with a linear external cavity is numerically simulated. Self-phase modulation in the laser rod is assumed. Laser generation of stable ultra-short pulse trains from spontaneous noise is shown versus self-phase occur for the limited ranges of pump intensity and cavity coupling parameter. The changes of these ranges are shown versus self-phase modulation parameter, spectral filter width, and phase mismatch between the two cavities.