Quasi-continuous-wave and actively mode-locked diode-pumped Cr3 ̀:LiSrAlF6 laser

We have developed a 500-mW cw diode-pumped Cr 3 +:LiSrA1F6 laser that produces 72-mW, quasi-continuous-wave output at 850 nm. In actively mode-locked operation, we obtained 100-ps pulses at 860 nm with 30 mW of average power. Pulses with durations of less than 130 ps have been measured between 820 and 880 nm. Cr3+:LiSrAlF 6 (Cr:LiSAF) crystal has proved to be a useful crystal in the ultrashort-pulse domain. Its large emission band (800-1000 nm) has permitted the generation of femtosecond pulses by the Kerr-lens mode-locking technique.12 Its high saturation fluence and its long fluorescence lifetime (67 1As) have permitted the amplification of ultrashort pulses up to the 150 mJ level in a flash-pumping scheme.3 Moreover we have recently reported a cw krypton-laser-pumped regenerative Cr:LiSAF amplifier work-ing at a high repetition rate (5 kHz) and producing 5-/ttJ energy pulses.4 Unlike Ti:sapphire, Cr:LiSA