Generation of 3.3-ps Pulses at 1.34 $\mu{\rm m}$ from High-Power Passively Mode-Locked ${\rm Nd}{:}{\rm GdVO}_{4}$ Laser

We have reported on the development of the 1.34-
$\mu{\rm m}$
high-power mode-locked
${\rm Nd}{:}{\rm GdVO}_{4}$
laser with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. Based on optimum resonator design, average output power of 2.2 W was produced, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 17%. The laser operated at five spectral bands around 1.34
$\mu{\rm m}$
with long-time stability. 3.3 ps of pulse duration was obtained, which is the best performance among 1.3-
$\mu{\rm m}$
mode-locked neodymium-doped lasers.