Optimizing waveguide array mode-locking for high-power fiber lasers

Emphasis is placed on the mode-locking stability as a function of the critical physical parameters in the laser cavity. The theoretical characterization of the laser cavity's stability and dynamics allows for a comprehensive optimization of the laser cavity parameters towards achieving high peak-power, high-energy pulses in both the anomalous and normal dispersion regimes. The technology and components to construct a mode-locked laser based upon a waveguide array are currently available. The anomalous dispersion regime, solitonlike pulses can be formed as a result of the balance of anomalous dispersion and positive (i.e. self-focusing) nonlinearity.