Mode locking of a Nd:glass laser with

Lithium fluoride crystal containing $F_2^{-}$ color centers $(\text{LiF}:F_2^{-})$ as a saturable absorber has been used for passive mode locking of a neodymium phosphate glass (Nd:glass) laser. Complete modulation, i.e., 100% depth, was achieved. The time resolution of the modulated laser output was studied using a photochron streak camera. $\text{LiF}:F_2^{-}$ crystal optimization and a Nd:glass laser operating optimization were proposed. The use of color center crystals as saturable absorber shows promise.