A system and method for the iterative detection and demodulation of M-ary orthogonal signals and signals modulated using Complementary Code Keying is described. The narrow waveguide expands the lateral mode size, creates a large modal spot size, and insures higher-order modes are beyond cutoff. The invention also provides for systems that include a non-flammable concentration of isoprene in the gas phase. At least part of the initial substrate that includes the defined pattern is transferred onto a second substrate, preferably by inverting the first substrate against the second substrate and then removing the first substrate. The opposite ends of the resonator, the mode-locking element and the solid-state laser medium are disposed to provide an average beam diameter of lasing light of not more than 150 \u03bcm on the mode-locking element and an average beam diameter of the lasing light of not more than 200 \u03bcm within the solid-state laser medium.