Diode-Pumped Self Q-Switched and Mode-Locking Nd³⁺, Cr⁴⁺:YAG Laser

Using Nd³⁺, Cr⁴⁺:YAG as a laser crystal and saturable absorber simultaneously, we obtain a self-Q-switched and mode-locking laser at 1.06 μm with straight cavity structure. Self mode-locking phenomenon was observed at an intracavity intensity of only about 2000 W/cm¹. More than 90% modulation depth is achieved at an intracavity intensity of less than 3.0 x 10⁴ W/cm² for the first time. The Q-switched pulse width and repetition rate are found to be connected with the cavity length and the output power.