Kerr lens effects in a folded-cavity four-mirror linear resonator

The Kerr-lens mode locking of a folded-cavity four-mirror linear Ti:sapphire laser is simulated by applying the ABCD ray-tracing technique for a Gaussian beam. The intensity dependent Kerr-lens ABCD matrix of the Brewster-plate shaped active medium is derived. A split-step parabolic refractive index model is used. The astigmatism compensation condition is derived from the ABCD ray-tracing. Simulations are carried out for a symmetric resonator and an asymmetric resonator design. Hard-aperture loss mode locking and soft-aperture gain mode locking are discussed. The optimum design parameters (slit position for hard-aperture loss mode locking, pump beam focusing for soft-aperture gain mode locking, gain cavity spacing, gain medium position) for Kerr-lens mode locking are determined.