Kerr-lens mode locking resonator calculation with two nonlinear elements

The effects of inserting a second nonlinear element in a laser resonator fo r Kerr-lens mode locking (KLM) are theoretically studied. The use of a high ly nonlinear glass (SF 57) in broadband lasers as Cr:LiSAF and Ti:sapphire is analyzed. The role of this auxiliary nonlinear element in the KLM regime is investigated and compared to the regime with the absence of this second nonlinear medium. The analysis of a three-element resonator shows the poss ibility of enhancing the KLM regime for both short and long cavities as wel l as presenting a much higher beam sensitivity to the intracavity power. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.