Extended-cavity surface-emitting diode laser as active mirror controlling modelocked Ti:sapphire laser

Abstract

Directly controlled, stable modelocking of a Ti:sapphire oscillator is demonstrated using a commercially available electrically pumped vertical extended-cavity surface-emitting laser as an active saturable absorber mirror. Modelocking is controlled by applying a pulsed current to the saturable absorber. Pulse durations of ∼330 ps are observed.