A frequency stabilizing system for high precision single-cavity multi-frequency comb includes a single-cavity multi-comb pulse oscillator, a frequency detection system, and a frequency feedback control system. The single-cavity multi-comb pulse oscillator is configured to output mode-locked pulse trains with a certain repetition rate difference at two or more central wavelengths. The frequency detection system is configured to detect the frequency signal, and output the corresponding electrical signal. The frequency feedback control system is configured to process the electrical signal from the frequency detection system, and transmit it to the frequency response component in the single-cavity multi-comb pulse oscillator to control a strain of the frequency response component, so as to realize feedback control on the frequency (repetition rate, repetition rate difference, and carrier envelope offset frequency) of the mode-locked pulse trains.

A CO.sub.2 laser configured to produce infrared electromagnetic radiation comprising an optical element comprising a frequency selective structure having a substantially periodic pattern of features. A frequency response of the optical element is configured to change upon receipt of a signal. A Q-factor of the CO.sub.2 laser changes upon receipt of the signal. A laser marking system may incorporate the CO.sub.2 laser.

A CO.sub.2 laser configured to produce infrared electromagnetic radiation comprising an optical element comprising a frequency selective structure having a substantially periodic pattern of features. A frequency response of the optical element is configured to change upon receipt of a signal. A Q-factor of the CO.sub.2 laser changes upon receipt of the signal. A laser marking system may incorporate the CO.sub.2 laser.

Apparatus and methods for producing ultrashort optical pulses are described. A high-power, solid-state, passively mode-locked laser can be manufactured in a compact module that can be incorporated into a portable instrument for biological or chemical analyses. The pulsed laser may produce sub-100-ps optical pulses at a repetition rate commensurate with electronic data-acquisition rates. The optical pulses may excite samples in reaction chambers of the instrument, and be used to generate a reference clock for operating signal-acquisition and signal-processing electronics of the instrument.

Apparatus and methods for producing ultrashort optical pulses are described. A high-power, solid-state, passively mode-locked laser can be manufactured in a compact module that can be incorporated into a portable instrument for biological or chemical analyses. The pulsed laser may produce sub-100-ps optical pulses at a repetition rate commensurate with electronic data-acquisition rates. The optical pulses may excite samples in reaction chambers of the instrument, and be used to generate a reference clock for operating signal-acquisition and signal-processing electronics of the instrument.

A mode locking device is disclosed for altering repetition rate in a mode-locked laser. In an example device, laser light is coupled from a fiber into a cavity through a sliding pigtail collimator with a diameter selected such that it is a close tolerance fit with a female snout on a package. A lens focuses laser light to an appropriate spot size onto a SAM or SESAM, such that back-reflection into the fiber is maximized. A piezoelectric transducer is mounted in cooperation with the SAM or SESAM for cavity tuning.

A mode locking device is disclosed for altering repetition rate in a mode-locked laser. In an example device, laser light is coupled from a fiber into a cavity through a sliding pigtail collimator with a diameter selected such that it is a close tolerance fit with a female snout on a package. A lens focuses laser light to an appropriate spot size onto a SAM or SESAM, such that back-reflection into the fiber is maximized. A piezoelectric transducer is mounted in cooperation with the SAM or SESAM for cavity tuning.

Example embodiments relate to lasers that include loop resonators. One example laser includes a loop resonator forming a closed loop light path. The loop resonator includes an optical gain medium configured to lase. The loop resonator is configured to, during lasing, present a pair of modes: a mode of light propagating in a clockwise direction in the closed loop light path of the loop resonator (termed CW mode) and a mode of light propagating in a counter-clockwise direction in the closed loop light path of the loop resonator (termed CCW mode). The laser also includes a first light output configured to output laser light from the laser. Additionally, the laser includes an optical power modulating unit. The optical power modulation unit is configured to modulate an optical power of the CW mode of the loop resonator and an optical power of the CCW mode of the loop resonator.

A surgical laser system includes a pump module configured to produce pump energy within an operating wavelength, a gain medium configured to convert the pump energy into first laser energy, a non-linear crystal (NLC) configured to convert a portion of the first laser energy into second laser energy, which is a harmonic of the first laser energy, an output, and a first path diversion assembly having first and second operating modes. When the first path diversion assembly is in the first operating mode, the first laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the second laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output. When the first path diversion assembly is in the second operating mode, the second laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the first laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output.

A surgical laser system includes a pump module configured to produce pump energy within an operating wavelength, a gain medium configured to convert the pump energy into first laser energy, a non-linear crystal (NLC) configured to convert a portion of the first laser energy into second laser energy, which is a harmonic of the first laser energy, an output, and a first path diversion assembly having first and second operating modes. When the first path diversion assembly is in the first operating mode, the first laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the second laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output. When the first path diversion assembly is in the second operating mode, the second laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the first laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output.