Sub-20 fs pulse generation from the mirror dispersion controlled Cr:LiSGaF and Cr:LiSAF lasers

We describe the state of the art of mirror-dispersion- controlled (MDC) Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM)Cr:LiSGaF and Cr:LiSAF lasers. Such lasers, in comparison to their prism-controlled forerunners, are distinguished by high re- producibility, stability, and quality of the pulses, as well as compactness of the cavity. The shortest pulses of 18 fs du- ration and nearly bandwidth-limited quality (D 0:33) have been produced in Cr:LiSGaF lasers, which have an av- erage output power of 100 mW. In both lasers, krypton-laser was used as an ideal pump source. The effect of a red-shift of the operating wavelength (from 850 to 880 nm) when short- ening of the pulse width (from 50 fs to 20 fs) has been observed and discussed.