Nonlinear mirror modelocking of a bounce geometry laser

We present the investigation of nonlinear mirror modelocking U (NLM) of a bounce amplifier laser. This technique, a potential rival to SESAM modelocking, uses a nonlinear crystal and a dichroic mirror to passively modelock a Nd: GdVO4 slab bounce amplifier operating at 1063nm. At 11.3W, we present the highest power achieved using the NLM technique, using type-II phase-matched KTP, with a pulse duration of 57ps. Using type-I phase-matched BiBO, modelocking was achieved with a shorter pulse duration of 5.7ps at an average power of 7.1W.