PULSE SHAPES AND STABILITY IN KERR AND ACTIVE MODE-LOCKING (KAML)

We present numerical simulations of laser mode-locking using a spatio- temporal master equation. We look at active mode-locking using an ampl itude modulator and compare the results with those found using a phase modulator. We find gaussian pulses and stability conditions consisten t with the Kuizenga-Siegman theory of mode-locking. We then add a Kerr medium to the cavity and examine the effect this has on the mode-lock ing process, the stability, and the shape of the final pulses. We find that the pulses are significantly compressed in both space and time, and the profiles become more sech-like. (C) 1998 Optical Society of Am erica.