Abstract
The dynamics of pulse formation in a cw passively mode-locked Ti:sapphire/DDI laser has been investigated. It is found that the time required for the circulating energy in the cavity to build up and bleach the dye absorber is approximately 140 μs. A further 230 μs is required for the buildup of steady-state picosecond pulses. Concurrently the laser output spectrum initially narrows in the cw regime, begins to broaden as the laser becomes modulated, and finally establishes the steady-state spectral distribution. © 1992 Optical Society of America.