Abstract

We present a new technique tor the study of short-pulse passively mode-locked lasers based on (but not necessarily limited to) a Ti:Al₂O₃ laser. This approach allows, for the first time, the study of cross-mode-locked operation of a single laser cavity. Cross-mode locking is a powerful experimental window on the mode-locking process. The laser cavity is constructed such that two independent, mode-locked lasing modes are brought close enough inside the lasing medium to interact. Tins design allows the mode-locking mechanism to be studied, in situ, through its interaction with the adjacent pulse train.

© 1993 Optical Society of America