title: Polarization bistability associated with 4F3/2→4I11/2 and 4F3/2→4I13/2 transitions in Nd:YVO4 laser with intra-cavity periodically poled lithium niobate Bragg modulator.
abstract: We experimentally demonstrate polarization bistability in a dual-wavelength Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064 nm (4F3/2→4I11/2) and 1342 nm (4F3/2→4I13/2) by using an intra-cavity electro-optic periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) Bragg modulator to control the loss at 1064 nm. An inverse hysteresis switch was observed between 1064 nm and 1342 nm lasers with orthogonal polarizations by increasing and reducing the loss induced by the PPLN. The size of the hysteresis increased with increasing pump power. This paper provides an explanation based on cross-gain saturation for this bistable behavior of polarization.
authors.forename: Kun-Guei
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Shou-Tai
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ming-Dar
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wei