Passive mode-locking of lasers by crossed-polarization gain modulation

Passive mode-locking (PML) of VCSEL by crossed-polarisation gain modulation is studied. PML at repetition rates in the GHz range and pulsewidths of few tens of picoseconds were found using a two-mode rate equation mode where feedback and reinjection are included as delayed terms. Preliminary experimental results relating a recent realization of this scheme to the case of small area proton implanted VCSEL at 850 nm is also presented.