HYBRID MODE-LOCKING OF A FLASH-LAMP-PUMPED TI-AL2O3 LASER

We demonstrate an all-solid-state hybrid mode-locking technique for fl ash-lamp-pumped solid-state lasers. The combination of active acousto- optic modulation and fast saturable-absorber action from a low-tempera ture multiple quantum well allows strong pulse shaping to be achieved during the rapid pulse energy buildup from the flashlamp pumping. Puls e durations as short as 4.5 ps have been generated. The high-energy st orage available from Ti:Al2O3 allows this new mode-locking technique t o produce pulses with peak powers of >4 MW at a 10-Hz repetition rate directly from a single laser.