Generation of subnanosecond CO2 laser pulses at 10.6 μm by pulse compression techniques

Abstract

The results of an investigation of the time evolution of a mode-locked pulse produced by a CO2 laser passively mode locked with an In-doped Ge bleachable absorber are presented. The observed pulse shortening is explained by a simple theory of pulse compression due to the saturable absorber. Pulse durations as short as 400 ps are observed.