SELF-MODE LOCKING OF SOLID-STATE LASERS WITHOUT APERTURES

Numerical simulations that take into account propagation, self-focusin g, and gain saturation in solid-state lasers reveal that self-mode loc king can take place in such lasers even in the absence of apertures. T he combination of self-focusing and pin saturation produces a differen tial gain that favors the growth of short pulses and eliminates cw osc illations. Nonsymmetrical cavities can provide a substantial different ial gain when they an operated near a stability limit.