New dye solutions for mode-locking infrared lasers

Abstract The recovery time of saturable absorbers is shortened externally by electronically active solvents, e.g., iodoethane, methyl sulfoxide, or ethyl sulfide. With a highly stable dye in such a solvent, very reproducible mode-locking of the neodymium-glass laser is achieved. The recovery time of the dye and hence the degree of mode-locking can be varied readily through the choice of solvent or solvent mixture.