Nd:YLF mode-locked oscillator and regenerative amplifier

Abstract

Pulses of 37-psec duration are generated by a cw actively mode-locked Nd:YLF oscillator and subsequently amplified to 2.5 mJ in a cw-pumped Nd:YLF regenerative amplifier operating at a repetition rate of 500 Hz. In comparison, the same system refitted with Nd:YAG gain media produces longer pulses (~80 psec) with lower energy (1 mJ).