Dynamics of a low-dimensional model for short pulse mode locking

Edward D. Farnum, J. Nathan Kutz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Emerging ultra-fast mode-locked lasers are now capable of generating pulses in the few to sub-femtosecond regime. Using recent theoretical innovations around the short pulse equation, we characterize the mode locking dynamics using a low-dimensional representation of the pulse parameters. The theory is formulated using a variational approach, since linearization of the exact solution is not tractable. The dominant dynamics can be characterized in a geometrical way using phase-plane analysis. Of note is our ability to determine the underlying bifurcations that occur due to changes in the fiber laser cavity parameters, including the onset of the multi-pulsing instability. The theory can aid in design principles for generating robust and highly-stable mode-locked pulses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)865-882
Number of pages18
JournalPhotonics
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2015

Keywords

  • Mode-locked lasers
  • Short pulse equation
  • Ultra-fast optics

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