Abstract

We have developed an all-solid-state source of ultrashort pulses that is widely tunable and has produced pulses as short as ~18 fs. The system consists of a self-mode-locked Cr³⁺:LiSrAlF₆ (CrLiSAF) laser that has been optimized for direct diode pumping. This laser produces pulses that are significantly shorter and more widely tunable than those obtained in previously reported direct-diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF lasers, which were mode y using semiconductor devices.^1,2 Also, these are, to the best of our knowledge, the shortest pulses yet reported in any Cr:LiSAF laser, including ion-laser-pumped systems.³ The tuning range is mirror limited. We believe that systems of this type will open up new areas of application for subpicosecond lasers.

© 1995 Optical Society of America