Mode-locking operation of Nd : LuYLF

We report mode-locked laser operation of a diode-pumped Nd:Lu:YLiF4 crystal . This new laser material allowed generation of pulses shorter than those o btained from the well-established laser medium Nd:YLiF4 in the same experim ental configuration. The mode-locking regime was obtained by introducing a very weak acousto-optical modulation with Kerr-lens-induced pulse shaping. A suitable negative value of the intracavity group-velocity dispersion was introduced to enhance the initiation and stabilization of the regime. Pulse s as short as 4.5 ps were readily obtained, without troublesome optimizatio n procedures. To allow comparison with previously reported results for Nd:Y LiF4 systems, we review the importance of spatial hole-burning effects in m ode-locking operation. (C) 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation En gineers.