MODE-LOCKING WITH A COMPENSATED SPACE-TIME ASTIGMATISM

We present what is to our knowledge the first full spatial plus tempor al model of a self-mode-locked titanium-doped sapphire laser. The self -consistent evolution of the pulse toward steady state imposes strong space - time focusing in the crystal, where both the space and time fo ci are located. This combined focusing significantly improves the disc rimination properties of the nonlinear resonator for shorter pulses an d reduces the transient stage of pulse formation. Our theoretical resu lts are in very good agreement with experiment. (C) 1995 Optical Socie ty of America