modelockedlaseilla

Mode-locked lasers are a type of laser that produces short pulses of light, typically in the range of femtoseconds to picoseconds. This is achieved by using a mechanism called mode-locking, where the phases of the different longitudinal modes of the laser cavity are synchronized. This synchronization results in the emission of a train of short, coherent light pulses.

Mode-locked lasers are widely used in various applications, including telecommunications, metrology, and scientific research. In telecommunications, they are used for high-speed data transmission and optical time-division multiplexing. In metrology, they are used for precision measurements of time and frequency. In scientific research, they are used for studying ultrafast phenomena and for generating high-intensity laser pulses for nonlinear optics.

There are several techniques for achieving mode-locking in lasers, including active and passive mode-locking. Active mode-locking involves using an external modulator to impose a periodic modulation on the laser cavity, while passive mode-locking involves using a saturable absorber or a nonlinear optical element within the laser cavity to achieve self-synchronization of the modes.

Mode-locked lasers can be constructed using various types of gain media, including solid-state crystals, semiconductors, and gases. The choice of gain medium depends on the desired wavelength, pulse duration, and power output of the laser.