Abstract

Harmonically-mode-locked (HML) lasers can generate ultrashort transform-limited optical pulses at high frequencies for use in various applications, such as in high-speed measurements and communication systems.¹ However, HML lasers are generally unstable, and it is impossible to control the optical pulse width at a fixed pulse rate. In this paper we report a novel method of amplitude-modulated harmonic mode locking (AM-HML), in which the harmonic signal with its amplitude modulation is used to control the optical pulse width at a fixed pulse rate in an actively HML laser.

© 1995 Optical Society of America