Gigahertz repetition-rate from directly diode-pumpedfemtosecond Cr:LiSAF laser

Abstract

Gigahertz repetition-rate, fundamental modelocking of a directly diode-pumped femtosecond laser is demonstrated for the first time. Transform-limited pulses of 146 fs duration are produced from a compact Cr:LiSAF laser incorporating a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror and pumped by inexpensive, narrow-stripe red laser diodes.