Abstract

The basic mechanisms of self-focusing modelocking (also called Kerr-lens modelocking, KLM) in broadband solid state gain media are now well established [1]. Recent advances in dispersion management and cavity design have led to the generation of pulses in the sub 10 fs regime [2]. Here we show that, because self-phase modulation and self-focusing have the same underlying origin, there is an intimate connection between wavelength and spatial mode in KLM lasers.

© 1996 Optical Society of America