Competitive effects in a YAG:Nd3+ ring laser with acousto-optic mode locking

An experimental study was made of the competitive interactions of opposite light waves in a YAG:Nd³⁺ ring laser with acousto-optic mode locking. These effects were investigated with the laser at rest and rotating. A study was made of the dependence of suppression of one of the opposite waves on the detuning of the modulation frequency from the intermode value, on the difference between the resonator frequencies due to rotation, and on the position and orientation of the acousto-optic modulator. It was found that the competition between the opposite waves in the case of forced mode locking could be weaker or stronger than in the case of free oscillations. Moreover, in the case of a solid-state ring laser with a homogeneously broadened luminescence line of the active substance one could realize bidirectional or unidirectional mode locking. Different forms of modulation of the intensities of the opposite waves were possible under forced mode-locking conditions when the ultrasonic frequency was scanned.