Abstract

We have developed analyses of soliton shaping mechanisms in a colliding pulse passively mode-locked laser and of the adjustable group velocity dispersion obtainable from pairs of prisms^2,3,4. We find that the soliton mechanisms aid in generating pulses which are shorter by the order of a factor of two than otherwise obtainable and also provide improved stability of the laser against changes in the net gain. The negative group velocity dispersion, which we show necessarily accompanies any angular dispersion, is of interest in that it provides an experimental means of introducing adjustable low loss group velocity dispersion in the laser resonators. This should be useful in examining these soliton shaping mechanisms.

© 1984 Optical Society of America