Self-mode-locked chromium-doped forsterite laser generates 50-fs pulses

Abstract

Stable transform-limited (ΔνΔτ = 0.32) femtosecond pulses with a FWHM of 50 fs were generated from a self-mode-locked chromium-doped forsterite laser. The forsterite laser was synchronously pumped by a cw mode-locked Nd:YAG (82 MHz) laser that generated picosecond pulses (200–300 ps) and provided the starting mechanism for self-mode-locked operation. Maximum output power was 45 mW for 3.9 W of absorbed pumped power with the use of an output coupler with 1% transmission. The self-mode-locked forsterite laser was tuned from 1240 to 1270 nm.