CROSS-LOCKING DYNAMICS IN A 2-COLOR MODE-LOCKED TI-SAPPHIRE LASER

We investigate the nonlinear interactions between pulses of two differ ent wavelengths within a single cross-mode-locked femtosecond Ti:sapph ire laser. We show that the nonlinear interaction caused by self-focus ing can correct for a difference in cavity lengths of as much as +/- 3 mum, corresponding to 20% of the pulse width on each round trip. Furt her, we show that the concept of mean group delay can be extended to a pair of pulses with di spectra and spatial distribution in a nonlinea r regenerative system.