Kerr-Lens Mode-Locked Diode-Pumped Cr:Lisgaf Laser

Abstract

We have demonstrated stable and self-sustaining Kerr-lens mode locking of a Cr:LiSGAF laser pumped by AlGaInP laser diodes. A hard aperture near one end of the laser provides the necessary amplitude modulation. This allsolid-state system generates transform-limited 100-fs pulses, tunable from 810 to 860 nm. The average power at 830 nm is 35 mW, with fluctuations of much less than 1%. The thermal properties of Cr:LiSGAF will permit scaling of these results to higher power. © 1995, Optical Society of America