Abstract

We have experimentally demonstrated a high-power self-mode-locked $\mathrm{Yb}:{\mathrm{Y}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ ceramic laser. Without any additional active or passive element in the cavity, self-started cw mode-locking was achieved. The maximum output power was as high as $2.7\mathrm{W}$ with a pulse duration of $1.1\mathrm{ps}$. Numerical studies show that the diffraction loss induced by thermal lens aberration, in combination with the Kerr self-focusing effect in the gain medium, results in the mode locking of the laser. To our knowledge, this is the first self-mode-locked ceramic laser.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

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