Mode-locked pulse oscillation of a self-resonating enhancement optical cavity

Abstract

A power enhancement optical cavity is a compelling means of realizing a pulsed laser with a high peak power and high repetition frequency, which is not feasible using a simple amplifier scheme. However, a precise feedback system is necessary for maintaining the narrow resonance condition of the optical cavity; this has become a major technical issue in developing such cavities. We have developed a new approach that does not require any active feedback system, by placing the cavity in the outer loop of a laser amplifier. We report on the first demonstration of a mode-locked pulse oscillation using the new system.