Abstract: This invention provides a solution for operating a mode-locking and cavity dumping laser apparatus using a single electro-optical switch or modulator, such as a Pockels cell, without the need of multiplexing between two sources of voltage. The complex waveform of electrical signal, which controls the Pockels Cell is achieved by employing the phenomena, called LC circuit ringing, where the LC circuit is formed from an inductive element and a capacitor, where the Pockels Cell works as a capacitor itself. The ringing frequency should be calculated such that the period of oscillations is preferably two times longer than the round-trip time of a light pulse inside the optical cavity. As a result, optical losses are created inside the cavity with a period, which coincides with the travel of a light pulse, thus the pulse build-up is consistent and stable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laser source capable of simultaneously generating several wavelengths of radiation at desired power ratio between each other. Said radiation of two or more wavelengths can be used for mixing said wavelengths in a non-linear optical media in order to achieve different wavelength radiations than those amplified in the gain media. In the most preferred embodiment, a laser source comprises a dispersive optical element, placed in an optical cavity, having a single optical axis. The dispersive element causes different wavelengths of radiation to travel in slightly different optical paths through the dispersive element. Tuning of the laser is performed by moving or tilting the dispersive element with respect to the axis of the cavity. As a result, desired ratio or proportions of average power are achieved for each of said wavelengths.

Abstract: This invention provides a solution for operating a mode-locking and cavity dumping laser apparatus using a single electro-optical switch or modulator, such as a Pockels cell, without the need of multiplexing between two sources of voltage. The complex waveform of electrical signal, which controls the Pockels Cell is achieved by employing the phenomena, called LC circuit ringing, where the LC circuit is formed from an inductive element and a capacitor, where the Pockels Cell works as a capacitor itself. The ringing frequency should be calculated such that the period of oscillations is preferably two times longer than the round-trip time of a light pulse inside the optical cavity. As a result, optical losses are created inside the cavity with a period, which coincides with the travel of a light pulse, thus the pulse build-up is consistent and stable.