Highly compact and efficient femtosecond Cr:LiSAF lasers

Methods for developing more compact femtosecond Cr:LiSAF laser sources are examined. By careful modeling of the low threshold performance and intracavity dispersion characteristics of these cavities, a highly asymmetric z-cavity design with a single prism for dispersion compensation is developed. Transform-limited pulses as short as 113 fs and modelocked output powers up to 20 mW are demonstrated for less than 110 mW of laser-diode pump power. The complete laser system (including the laser diode pump system and drivers) has a footprint of 21.5 /spl times/ 28 cm/sup 2/, about the size of a sheet of US letter or A4 paper.