Self-mode-locking suppression with intracavity fullerenes

We present the experimental results on how to suppress self-mode-locking in a free-run or Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with intracavity fullerenes. It was demonstrated that the self-mode-locking was partly or completely suppressed when a certain sample containing fullerenes, such as C₆₀ toluene solution, C₆₀ in polystyrene host, or optical glass doped with fullerenes, was placed within the laser resonator, and that the degree of suppression was dependent upon the length and fullerenes concentration of the sample. Qualitative analysis showed that the nonlinear absorption of the intracavity fullerenes resulted in this effect.