Abstract

We have investigated frequency modulation (FM) mode-locking of a diode laser pumped Nd: YAG laser operating at 1.06μm. We have found that the FM method is superior in many ways to the more familiar amplitude modulation (AM) technique. These include much shorter pulse duration, better stability and low loss in power when changing from continuous-wave to mode-locked operation. Furthermore, the use of an intracavity phase modulator reduces the tolerances on orientation and positioning of the modulator and allows a free choice of operating frequency up to about 500MHz.

© 1989 Optical Society of America