KERR-LENS MODELOCKING OF SOLID-STATE LASERS AND UNIDIRECTIONAL RING CAVITIES

Detailed results for the project of Kerr lens modelocked lasers using ring resonators are presented, and the working conditions for unidirectional operation are outlined. Both the small and large signal regimes are explored, discussing important issues such as the modelocking threshold and saturation of the amplitude modulation mechanism, both for femtosecond and picosecond systems. Useful simple relations for laser design are derived.