Active mode-locking of lasers using GaAs and GaP picosecond switches

Active mode-locking of coumarin dye lasers has been achieved using either a GaAs or GaP picosecond high voltage switch to drive an intra cavity Pockels cell in a Q modulation technique. Pulses of 30–50 ps were generated with a peak power of ≈500 kW, while pulses as short as 20 ps were observed. The method can be generally applied to various laser systems over wide spectral ranges.