Pulse shapes and stability in Kerr and active mode-locking (KAML)

We present numerical simulations of laser mode-locking using a spatio-temporal master equation. We look at active mode-locking using an amplitude modulator and compare the results with those found using a phase modulator. We find gaussian pulses and stability conditions consistent with the Kuizenga-Siegman theory of mode-locking. We then add a Kerr medium to the cavity and examine the effect this has on the mode-locking process, the stability, and the shape of the final pulses. We find that the pulses are significantly compressed in both space and time, and the profiles become more sech-like.