GENERATION OF 11-FS PULSES FROM A SELF-MODE-LOCKED TI-SAPPHIRE LASER

By optimizing the intracavity dispersion compensation in a self-mode-l ocked Ti:sapphire laser. we have generated pulses of 10.95-fs duration . Dispersion within the laser cavity is reduced by use of a short 4.5- mm highly doped Ti:sapphire crystal and fused-silica prisms. The outpu t from the laser has an average power of as much as 500 mW, with a wav elength centered at 780 nm and a bandwidth of 62 nm. Our results demon strate that the exceptionally broad bandwidth of Ti:sapphire can be ut ilized to generate pulses that, to our knowledge, are shorter than has been possible with any other type of laser material to date