Abstract

The modelocked, all-solid-slate laser, based on the material Cr:LiSAF, has reccnlly been established as an excellent source of femtosecond pulses [l]. As well as exhibiting an extremely wide emission bandwidth (780nm to 950nm) necessary for the production of ultra-short pulses, the material is amenable to pumping with the new generation of AlGaInP laser diodes which provide an output which matches the red absorpion region of Cr:LiSAF (640nm to 680nm). The use of semiconductor laser pumping is often bcntficial when using solid state laser materials, resulting in more stable, compact, and efficient systems, as compared to their ion-laser-pumped counterparts.

© 1996 IEEE