Delay-differential-equation model for mode-locked lasers based on nonlinear optical and amplifying loop mirrors

Abstract

Delay differential equation model of a NOLM-NALM mode-locked laser is developed that takes into account finite relaxation rate of the gain medium and asymmetric beam splitting at the entrance of the nonlinear mirror loop. Asymptotic linear stability analysis of the continuous wave solutions performed in the limit of large delay indicates that in a class-B laser flip instability leading to a period doubling cascade and development of square-wave patterns can be suppressed by a short wavelength modulational instability. Numerically it is shown that the model can demonstrate large windows of regular fundamental and harmonic mode-locked regimes with single and multiple pulses per cavity round trip time separated by domains of irregular pulsing.