Coherent ringing in pulses from a mode-locked argon laser

Abstract
Detailed examination of the pulses from a mode-locked argon laser has revealed the presence of afterpulses that have a typical intensity 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of the main pulse. The characteristics of the main pulse and of the afterpulses depend on the main pulse duration. The afterpulses are interpreted as a ringing generated by the coherent interaction between the optical pulse and the atomic laser medium.