Direct oscillographic investigation of the characteristics of a YAG:Nd3+ with active mode locking laser

Highly stable generation of ultrashort light pulses was achieved in a pulse-periodic YAG:Nd³⁺ laser with active mode locking and electrooptic switching of the resonator losses. The energy and time parameters of the ultrashort pulses were determined as a function of the detuning between the switching and intermode beat frequencies and on the rate of pumping of the active medium. Under optimal conditions the intensity of a single pulse was ~ 100 MW/cm², the duration was 70 psec, and the divergence was close to the diffraction limit.