Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Q-Switching in a Self-Mode-Locked Semiconductor Disk Laser

Q-switching in a mode-locked laser not only makes the amplitude of every single output pulse unequal, but also limits the time width and peak power of output pulses. This paper investigates the Q-switching in a self-mode-locked semiconductor disk laser numerically and experimentally. By using the delay differential equations for passively mode-locking, conditions of Q-switching in a self-mode-locked semiconductor disk laser are numerically analyzed for the first time. Meanwhile, based on the experimental results, the causes of Q-switching tendency including the change of nonlinear refractive index and the change of soft aperture, are also discussed. Some possible measures to suppress Q-switching instability, i.e., to obtain stable continuous-wave mode-locking in a self-mode-locked semiconductor disk laser are proposed.