Mode-locking

Mode-locking is a technique used in lasers to produce very short, intense bursts of light rather than a continuous beam. It works by synchronizing the phases of different light waves inside the laser cavity so they reinforce each other at specific moments. This creates a series of evenly spaced, ultrashort pulses, often lasting only femtoseconds to picoseconds. These pulses are useful in applications like high-precision imaging, medical procedures, and scientific research, where precise, powerful bursts of light are needed. Essentially, mode-locking aligns the light waves’ timing, transforming the laser's output into a rapid series of pulses.