Abstract
A natural extension of mode-locked laser technology is the realization of spatially extended arrays of synchronized mode-locked lasers. Such lasers have a potential for producing arrays of ultrashort optical pulses that are structured in space and time. These arrays can, in principle, carry very large amounts of information that can be rapidly and flexibly reconfigured. We describe preliminary work on the simplest form of such a laser, in this case, two colliding pulse lasers following similar but spatially distinct paths within a ring laser geometry. Each beam supports a counterpropagating pair of pulses. The laser wavelength is 630 nm with a 78-MHz repetition rate. The total pump power is 9 W. Flowing dye jets of Rh6G and DODCI in ethylene glycol form the nonlinear media. Each beam has an independent gain, and the two beams share a common absorber. The absorber performs the function of both mode-locking and synchronizing the pulses in the different spatial modes. Experimentally, we observe four pulses colliding at the absorber. The relative intensity of the two modes can be controlled by balancing the pumps for the two beams.
© 1991 Optical Society of America
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