PULSE-FORMING DYNAMICS OF A CW PASSIVELY MODE-LOCKED TI-SAPPHIRE DDI LASER

Abstract

The dynamics of pulse formation in a cw passively mode-locked Ti:sapphire/DDI laser has been investigated. It is found that the time required for the circulating energy in the cavity to build up and bleach the dye absorber is approximately 140-mu-s. A further 230-mu-s is required for the buildup of steady-state picosecond pulses. Concurrently the laser output spectrum initially narrows in the cw regime, begins to broaden as the laser becomes modulated, and finally establishes the steady-state spectral distribution.