Abstract

Currently the widespread application of fs-lasers is limited by price and complexity. One approach for user-friendly systems are diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) fs-lasers with Cr:LiSGaF or Cr:LiSAF as the gain-medium. However bulky optical systems are necessary, to focus the laser diodes through the folding mirrors of a standard x- or z-fold cavity into the crystal. Efficient KLM and a small lasing threshold requires to focus the resonator mode tightly into the laser crystal. But in this case the poor beam quality of available red single emitter diode lasers prohibits an efficient mode matching.

© 1998 IEEE