G. Steinmeyer et al., Frontiers in ultrashort pulse generation: Pushing the limits in linear andnonlinear optics, SCIENCE, 286(5444), 1999, pp. 1507-1512
Optical pulses in the 5-femtosecond range are produced by a variety of meth
ods. Although different in technical detail, each method relies on the same
three key components: spectral broadening due to the nonlinear optical Ker
r effect, dispersion control, and ultrabroadband amplification. The state o
f the art of ultrashort pulse generation is reviewed with a focus on direct
laser oscillator schemes.