High-power subpicosecond harmonically mode-locked Yb:YAG laser with pulse repetition rate up to 240 GHz

Abstract

We report on the operation of a high-power diode-pumped Yb:YAG self-mode-locked microchip laser with a pulse repetition rate of up to 240 GHz. The gain medium is coated to form a cavity mirror and to act as an etalon for achieving harmonic mode locking. A diamond heat spreader is employed to reduce the thermal effects for power scale-up. At an absorbed pump power of 8.3 W, an average output power of 4.6 W is achieved with a pulse duration of 630 fs and a repetition rate of 240 GHz.