Dynamics of the diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Nd : YAG laser

We present a theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics of the diod e-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. The theoretical approach, whic h is based on a two-variable Poincare map, allows the calculation of the pu lse parameters with satisfactory accuracy. It is concluded (both theoretica lly and experimentally) that this laser does not present instabilities, whi ch is an interesting feature for short-pulse laser engineering. We also fin d a robust two pulses per round trip mode of operation that appears to be a simple way for doubling the repetition rate. (C) 2001 Optical Society of A merica.