Observation of self-mode-locking assisted by high-order transverse modes in optically pumped semiconductor lasers

Abstract

The criterion for achieving the self-mode-locking (SML) in an optically pumped semiconductor laser (OPSL) with a linear cavity is systematically explored. Experimental results reveal that the occurrence of SML can be assisted by the existence of high-order transverse modes. Numerical analysis is performed to confirm that the critical pump power for obtaining the SML operation agrees very well with the pump threshold for exciting TEM1,0 mode. The present finding offers an important insight into laser physics and a useful indication for obtaining the SML operation in OPSLs.