KERR-LENS MODE-LOCKED DIODE-PUMPED CR-LISGAF LASER

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 all-solid-state system generates transform-limited 100-fs pulses , tunable from 810 to 860 nn. The average power at 830 nm is 35 mW, wi th fluctuations of much less than 1%. The thermal properties of Cr:LiS GAF will permit scaling of these results to higher power.