Switching of several self-mode-locking states in an optically pumped semiconductor disk laser

Self-mode-locking (SML) of fundamental TEM00 mode and high-order transverse mode were demonstrated in an optically pumped semiconductor disk laser and these states can be switched by simply adjusting the elements of the laser. The repetition rate of the pulse train was 1 GHz, using a straight cavity. Furthermore, we measured the pulse durations and found that the pulse duration of SML pulse with higher-order transverse mode is shorter than that of fundamental mode at the same pump power. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experiment to obtain two SML states in a single laser. By using the method of changing the cavity length and adjusting the angle of the output coupler, the repetition rate can be continuously tuned from 3 GHz to 3.2 GHz.