Nearly quantum-limited timing jitter of passively mode-locked 10-GHz diode-pumped Er:Yb:glass lasers

A novel measurement scheme demonstrates that the timing jitter of free-running passively mode-locked 10-GHz Er:Yb:glass lasers can be close to the quantum limit. With feedback stabilization, even lower jitter (27 fs rms, 6 Hz-1.56 MHz) is achieved.